WE MUST HAVE ETHICAL LEADERS LEADING SA

SOUTH Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled that the former minister of social development, Bathabile Dlamini, acted in bad faith by withholding information from the Constitutional Court during the hearing process regarding the provision of social grants.

This judgment should serve as an important lesson to both the voters and the president alike. Just like judges do not accept public officials who act dishonestly under oath, we as the voters and the president should also not accept such officials to run and hold important government positions.

It is so sad that Dlamini is another minister from the South African Cabinet to be found guilty of lying and acting in a manner inconsistent with their honourable offices.

Last year, the High Court found that former minister of home affairs, Malusi Gigaba, had deliberately lied to the court under oath. These judgements cast doubts and reservations on their work ethics and performance standards and therefore the president should look into their continued presence in the Cabinet.

The Constitution and the Public Service and Administration Code of Ethics for members of Cabinet and executive councils requires members of the Cabinet, deputy ministers and members of executive councils “to act in accordance with a code of ethics prescribed by national legislation.”

We need ethical leaders to lead and transform South Africa in accordance with South Africa’s constitutional democracy model and policies.