Transparency Metrics in Digital Payment Systems as a Tool against Corruption in South African Municipalities Over Two Years

Recent studies highlight corruption as a significant challenge in South African municipalities, where digital payment systems have been proposed as potential tools to combat this issue. The research employed quantitative methods, analysing data from municipalities that implemented digital payment systems with varying levels of transparency metrics. Data was collected through surveys and administrative records, focusing on financial transactions and official reports. A notable finding revealed that the introduction of comprehensive transparency metrics in digital payment systems led to a 30% reduction in reported corruption cases within municipal departments compared to those without such measures. The integration of transparent digital payment mechanisms appears effective in mitigating corruption, necessitating broader implementation across South African municipalities. Municipalities should prioritise the adoption and enhancement of transparency metrics in their digital payment systems as a proactive strategy against corruption. digital payments, municipal corruption, transparency metrics, anti-corruption measures