NOW ONLY A MOBILISED CITIZENRY CAN STOP THIS ROT

THE RECENT exposé of massive misappropriation of the Covid-19 funds allocated for relief was a disturbing revelation to the nation.

It was disturbing primarily because the effect that the pandemic has had on the nation, businesses, communities and individual citizens has been overwhelming.

Livelihoods and lives have been lost while businesses have been closed and employees rendered jobless.

Thanks to Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, who stepped in following the revelation of misappropriation of funds and quickly cancelled the emergency procurement processes and reintroduced the normal supply chain processes to enhance the levels of transparency as a result of the corruption.

In such a time of shock and uncertainty, citizens need assurance from political leadership that their interests are prioritised, placed at the centre of any government and policy intervention.

In this case, when the public perceives corruption to be on the rise in the midst of a public health emergency, their trust in the political leadership naturally begins to wane, believing that public resources are being stolen for private gain.

Since consequence management as a deterrent for corruption and other malfeasance in the public sector has been largely low, the perpetrators have become even more emboldened, knowing that the formal processes of punishing the malpractice are difficult to enforce in practice. Beliefs are critical levers in enhancing political and moral legitimacy in the public eye as it is the basis of any system of authority.

Corruption by its very nature works against any political and moral authority as the public perceives that there is an unwillingness to obey the law by political leaders and public officials tasked with the responsibility of overseeing resources meant to serve the citizenry.

In strengthening moral and political legitimacy in the public’s eyes, political leaders and public servants must subject themselves to the principles of good governance and the rule of law, to ensure that they are accountable to the public that elected them.

In a political sense, it is an expectation of the citizenry from those who lead them, while in a social sense it is the sense of reliability in a person or system, providing citizens with a sense of security in the political leadership.

The common assumption here is that both the “trusted” (those tasked with the responsibility of providing public goods and services to meet citizens’ expectations) and the “trustee” (the public), share common interests and that these interests will be well served even with minimal involvement of the public in decision-making processes.

So then, how can waning legitimacy and trust deficit be rebuilt? The current political administration has a window of opportunity to self-correct and rebuild its trust deficit.

First and foremost, political leadership must admit its failure to stamp out corruption and resourcing adequately those agencies tasked with the prosecution of those found guilty of corruption as well as strengthening systems to prevent future corruption.

Covid-preneurship has exposed the government in terms of its inability to deal decisively with corruption within its ranks, as well as its failure to create a conducive environment for good governance and accountability to the electorate.

Second, establish and promote a professional, service-orientated and politically independent public service that works for citizens rather than being an extension of the governing party.

The citizenry perceives a lack of professional purpose and accountability in the public service, which then creates a conducive environment for corruption to set in and thrive.

In conclusion, South Africa needs a professional and politically independent public service, corruption-free service delivery and accountable political leadership. To achieve such an outcome, every citizen must be willing to use every available space to advocate for accountable political leadership that prioritises them and is committed to meeting their expectations. Until citizens decide to self-mobilise and hold political leaders accountable themselves, covid-preneurship will continue unabated.