Private sector roleThe private sector in South Africa has played a significant role in perpetuating corruption, often acting as a conduit for illicit activities that undermine good governance. The Zondo Commission Report highlights this troubling dynamic, noting that “corruption in the private sector often facilitates public sector corruption, creating a corrupt symbiosis that hampers economic development”. The stubborn ticks that are sucking South Africa dry are corrupt public and private sector collaborators. Both public and private sector corruption are serious problems in South Africa, and they are often intertwined. While public sector corruption may have a broader impact on society and governance, private sector corruption can be just as damaging in terms of economic distortions and unfair practices.