Public impressions of corruption and the actual size of the problem are hugely different, a study presented at the National Anti-Corruption Forum in Pretoria on Monday shows.

The study on corruption in the private sector shows that while bribes occurred at only 11,5% of the companies surveyed, 74% believed there was corruption.

"This shows that negative perceptions are one of the biggest challenges we have in the fight against corruption," said Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi.

The survey, commissioned by Business against Crime SA, looked at 760 companies in 14 sectors of industry across South Africa.

It shows the most prevalent forms of corruption were in the awarding of quotes and tenders, followed by theft from companies and black economic empowerment "fronting".

While money bribes were most prevalent, so-called kickbacks and even gifts and favours also were used to establish corrupt relationships.

Bribes of less than R1 000 were most prevalent, but there were also many cases in which more was paid and even where more than R1-million was exchanged.

Another report discussed by the forum was a report on investigative journalism on corruption presented by the South African National Editors' Forum.

Fraser-Moleketi said the report shows that by focusing on high-profile corruption cases, the media contribute to a "negative psychosis" that South Africa is generally corrupt.

She gave examples such as the Travelgate scandal and the case of African National Congress deputy president Jacob Zuma. The minister said that, in fact, in most cases it is the government that exposes corruption.

The forum said the media should go beyond investigative journalism, and play a more empowering and educational role. It said positive developments in the combating of corruption should also be reported more vigorously. 

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Mail & Guardian Online.