The ‘brown envelope syndrome’: Culture of bribery and ethics at the crossroads

Abstract

This article unravels the destructive practice of bribery, which is ingrained in South African culture. Through the scenarios in the public  transport industry and literature review, the article reveals that indeed bribery is a reality to reckon with. It is observed in all tiers of  society such as politics, businesses and religious circles. Bribery explained as a ‘brown envelope syndrome’ is rife in the South African  socio-political landscape. The objective of this article is to enlighten the readers that bribery from socio-theological perspectives is  ethically unacceptable. It promotes corrupt political accountability, economic inequality, social disrespect and religious hypocrisy. The  article starts with personal scenarios and then delves into the definition of bribery as payment in a form of money, favours or gifts, to  influence a decision, to receive favours in turn, facilitate fast delivery of goods, gain an unfair advantage, avoid legal prosecution or to  supply substandard products or services. The second part of the artilce discusses how bribery clashes with Christian ethics as pointed by  Jesus in Mark 7:21–22, as bribery lies buried in human hearts and manifests itself in different sins. There is a clear biblical condemnation of bribery as detestable, and that by all means possible, it should be proscribed. Bribery in political circles is known as ‘brown envelope’,  which means the currency exchanges between the corrupt and the corrupted. Solutions suggested is that citizens in their national democracies should break out of the shell and become vocal against bribery. The church should emerge behind the trees and come up  with prophetic discernment, wisdom and be vocal against bribery. Personally, those exposed to bribery situations must maintain wisdom  and learn how to refuse offers without endangering themselves. This research unravels bribery and its devastating effects of promoting  corrupt political accountability, economic inequality, social disrespect and religious hypocrisy. Contribution: This article calls for  communities and churches to be vocal against bribery and encourages personal accountability when confronted with bribery offers.