Sextortion is corruption, says Public Protector Gcaleka

Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has argued that perpetrators of "sextortion" should be charged with corruption, stating that such conduct qualifies as gratification under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act. Gcaleka made these remarks at the University of Stellenbosch's second symposium on Gender Inequality and Anti-Corruption, which is part of the university's Women's Month commemorations.

Gcaleka pointed out that existing South African anti-corruption legislation does not require gratification to have monetary value, suggesting that sexual corruption could already be regarded as corruption under current law. She emphasized that the issue lies not with the offense itself, but with the lack of charges, prosecution, record, and count against those accused.

Sextortion, according to international bodies like Transparency International and the International Association of Women Judges, involves the abuse of entrusted power for sexual gain rather than financial benefit. Gcaleka also suggested that reporting channels for such conduct should exclude the offices of the alleged perpetrators, in order to prevent potential interference.