The Efficacy of Ubuntu-Based Governance Frameworks in Combating Systemic Corruption in Africa: A Theoretical Discourse

Thelela Ngcetane-Vika and Mamello Puleng Pule
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Thelela Ngcetane-Vika: University of Witwatersrand
Mamello Puleng Pule: South Valley University

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 4, 3755-3770

Abstract: This paper examines the potential of Ubuntu philosophy—a culturally rooted African ethos emphasizing communal values, interconnectedness, and ethical leadership—as a framework for combating systemic corruption in Africa. While corruption remains a pervasive challenge undermining governance and development, conventional anti-corruption measures often fail to address its root causes. By integrating Ubuntu principles such as communal accountability, restorative justice, and transparency into governance reforms, this study proposes a culturally resonant approach to fostering integrity and public trust. Methodologically, the paper employs qualitative content analysis, drawing on secondary data and theoretical lenses like Principal-Agent Theory, Institutional Theory, and Network Theory. Findings reveal that Ubuntu’s emphasis on collective welfare and ethical leadership can mitigate corruption by aligning governance with indigenous values. The study concludes with actionable recommendations, including policy reforms grounded in Africanism, capacity-building for public officials, and collaborative partnerships. This work contributes to the discourse on culturally sensitive governance models and offers a roadmap for sustainable anti-corruption strategies in Africa.

Date: 2025
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