South Africa has a strong constitutional framework, independent oversight bodies, and a vocal civil society. This is where First’s research ethos can serve as a guide. Ruth First’s activist research was never just about producing knowledge. In South Africa today, where corruption corrodes trust and undermines development, adopting her principles could reinvigorate advocacy. By fusing the rigour of research with the urgency of activism, anti-corruption advocates can honour Ruth First’s legacy and help shift South Africa toward a more accountable and just future.