The fiction of Aravind Adiga offers a penetrating critique of contemporary Indian society shaped by globalization, capitalism, and rapid urban transformation. Rather than celebrating modernity as progress, Adiga exposes it as fractured, uneven, and ethically destabilizing. This research article examines how Adiga represents modernity as a site of contradiction and moral uncertainty, focusing on the lived experiences of individuals positioned at the margins of India’s economic growth. Through a close analysis of The White Tiger, Last Man in Tower, and Selection Day, the study argues that Adiga constructs modernity as a system that erodes traditional moral frameworks without offering viable ethical alternatives. His protagonists operate within exploitative structures that compel them to adopt morally ambiguous strategies for survival and success. By situating Adiga’s fiction within postcolonial debates on modernity, ethics, and development, this article demonstrates how his narratives challenge dominant discourses of progress and reveal the human cost of India’s transformation into a globalized nation. Ultimately, Adiga’s fiction portrays modern India as a space of fractured realities where moral ambiguity becomes an inevitable consequence of social and economic inequality.

Arundhati Roy’s literary and political writings constitute a sustained critique of power in its multiple manifestations, ranging from caste and patriarchy to state violence, nationalism, capitalism, and global imperialism. This research article examines how structures of power operate and how resistance is articulated in Roy’s fictional and non-fictional works. Through an analysis of her novels The God of Small Things and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, alongside selected essays, the study explores Roy’s representation of institutionalized power and her commitment to amplifying marginalized and dissenting voices. Drawing upon postcolonial theory, subaltern studies, feminist criticism, and political discourse, the article argues that Roy’s writing destabilizes dominant narratives and exposes the moral and human costs of authoritarian systems. Resistance in Roy’s works is not always overt or victorious; instead, it often emerges through fragile acts of defiance, memory, storytelling, and survival. By foregrounding those silenced by history and power, Roy transforms literature into a space of ethical intervention and political resistance. The article concludes that Roy’s oeuvre represents a powerful fusion of aesthetics and activism, redefining the role of the writer in contemporary society.

Corruption, bribery, and extortion remain major barriers to governance, socio-economic development, and public trust in South Africa. Despite a strong legislative framework and a declared zero-tolerance policy, enforcement gaps, institutional weaknesses, and political interference persist. This article explores the prevalence, causes, and impacts of these crimes, drawing on practical examples such as the Mthatha High Court bribery scandal, corruption in school governing bodies, and high-profile whistle-blower cases like Babita Deokaran. The study integrates both South African and international perspectives to analyze policy effectiveness, institutional capacity, and civil society engagement. It concludes with practical recommendations to strengthen anti-corruption efforts and foster transparent, accountable governance. To examine the prevalence and impact of corruption, bribery, and extortion in South Africa. To evaluate the effectiveness of the zero-tolerance policy in reducing corruption. To provide actionable recommendations for improving governance, accountability, and public trust. Despite South Africa’s legislative frameworks, such as the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA), and high-level rhetoric about zero tolerance, corruption, bribery, and extortion persist across public and private sectors. Institutional inefficiencies, political interference, and threats to whistle-blowers undermine enforcement. High-profile cases like Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Babita Deokaran exemplify these challenges, highlighting a gap between policy commitments and practical outcomes. Design: Qualitative research integrating a literature review and case study analysis. Data Sources: Recent South African media, government reports, NGO records (e.g., Corruption Watch), and international sources (e.g., Transparency International, OECD, World Bank). Analysis: Thematic analysis to identify patterns of corruption, enforcement challenges, and institutional gaps. Rationale: Allows exploration of systemic issues and practical enforcement outcomes in South Africa, supported by international comparisons. Systemic Corruption: Bribery and extortion occur at both elite and grassroots levels (e.g., Mthatha High Court, school governing bodies). Enforcement Gaps: Zero-tolerance policies are inconsistently applied, with political interference and institutional weaknesses limiting effectiveness. High-Profile Cases Influence Public Perception: Whistleblower threats and slow prosecution of elite officials reduce credibility. Link with Organised Crime: Corruption facilitates extortion and criminal networks, threatening service delivery and economic development. Civil Society as a Critical Actor: NGOs and media play an essential role in exposing corruption and holding institutions accountable. South Africa’s zero-tolerance policy demonstrates a strong commitment to combating corruption, bribery, and extortion. However, enforcement gaps, weak institutional capacity, and risks to whistle-blowers hinder its effectiveness. A multi-faceted approach combining stronger institutional independence, legal enforcement, civil society engagement, and international cooperation is essential to reduce corruption and restore public trust. Implementing these strategies can enhance transparency, accountability, and socio-economic development across the nation.

This study explores the critical role of ethical leadership within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and its influence on building and sustaining trust between the police and the diverse communities they serve. It aims to identify leadership practices that enhance legitimacy and public confidence while addressing the challenges impeding ethical conduct. Despite policy frameworks emphasizing accountability and ethical policing, SAPS continues to face significant public trust deficits, driven largely by perceived leadership failures, corruption, and misconduct. This eroded trust undermines effective policing and community cooperation, posing risks to social stability and democratic governance. The research reveals that ethical leadership characterized by transparency, accountability, integrity, and community engagements central to restoring trust. However, gaps exist between ethical standards and actual leadership behavior within SAPS. Furthermore, inadequate training, weak disciplinary mechanisms, and limited community involvement hinder ethical leadership’s effectiveness. This study contributes to the discourse on police reform by highlighting ethical leadership as a foundational pillar for improving police-community relations in South Africa. It integrates perspectives from recent literature and empirical insights to offer practical recommendations for leadership development, policy enhancement, and multistakeholder collaboration. Restoring trust in SAPS requires a deliberate and sustained commitment to ethical leadership at all organizational levels. By embedding ethical principles into recruitment, training, accountability systems, and community partnerships, SAPS can transform its image and effectiveness. This study underscores that ethical leadership is indispensable for democratic policing, justice, and societal safety in South Africa.