The data displayed is based on information from the SIPRI Arms Transfers Database. To learn more about this data and trend indicator values that it represents visit: https://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers
This assessment received government comments and feedback on the finalised data. These comments have been incorporated into the assessment at the GDI research team’s discretion. Usually the comments received highlight where a bill is in formulation, or has recently passed into law, and this has been missed by the country assessor. Only comments which are grounded in evidence are incorporated into the assessment.
South Africa
Band
D
Corruption risk
High
South Africa Country Brief
South Africa AssessmentSouth Africa’s defence sector benefits from relatively strong institutional controls, long-term oversight mechanisms, and a solid external audit presence. However, policy responsiveness remains limited, with weak executive engagement and accountability mechanisms that do not consistently translate oversight into corrective action. Defence-spending risks are moderate, but procurement continues to suffer from gaps between the legal framework and its practical implementation. These shortcomings are most visible in operations, where corruption risks are insufficiently anticipated and managed.
Risk categories
Political
Band
C
62/100
Risk
Moderate
Financial
Band
B
79/100
Risk
Low
Personnel
Band
C
55/100
Risk
Moderate
Operational
Band
F
2/100
Risk
Critical
Procurement
Band
D
41/100
Risk
High
Relevant Updates
Press Release: Every country assessed in Sub-Saharan Africa at high to critical risk of defence corruption, Governance Defence Integrity Index (GDI) reveals
Press release from Transparency International UK, 19 March 2026 For more information or interviews…
Explore results on mapDefence Companies Index
From the Defence Companies Index: Companies in South Africa
DCI data is scored on Commitment to Anti-Corruption Policies and Transparency.