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.