Need for reform revealed
THE battle against state capture is intensifying. Recent revelations against specific companies in the private sector suspected of collusion are the leading edge. The dimensions of the problem are also changing, encompassing international companies, different countries and mainstream corporate giants. It’s hard to tell friend from foe.
But in a way these exposés represent progress. For years we’ve been in a cycle of accusations and counter-accusations on state capture. But now the investigation seems to be moving from speculation to facts and the law. What did KPMG, McKinsey, Bell Pottinger, Eskom and others do in contravention of the law and what evidence supports the allegations against them?
Success in proving these cases depends on the quality of our institutions. The Hawks have been slow in probing state capture, but having entered the investigation, how able are they in gathering evidence that will withstand scrutiny in court?
Can the NPA shake off its dismal performance over the infamous 783 charges against President Jacob Zuma and conduct a credible prosecution?
But, the issue is not just one of crime and punishment and the outcome of cases. It’s also about preventing a repetition of abuse through strengthening our government institutions.
We can no longer depend on the goodness of comrades. We have to be vigilant against intrusions, takeovers and internal corruption.
This is not easy because we’re in the grip of social change. The values that motivated prior generations to embrace values such as patriotism, honesty, public service and social justice are being eroded and replaced by the individualism of our capitalist society. It measures success by the accumulation of personal wealth. Our own doctors refuse to serve the poor. A generation that worships profits above all is emerging.
In the past in rural areas neighbours would appear at your door asking to "borrow" a "spoon of sugar". That meant they were living on sugared water. You responded with a cup of sugar and milimili. That spirit of giving is gone.
By itself individualism is not the enemy. We need people to rise to their fullest potential. We cheer them on as our Olympic heroes or Nobel Prize winners. The problem arises when things are taken to extremes.
The ANC cadet of 1976 who provided secure courier duties has been replaced by loan sharks and thieves. Identifying our current culprits in state capture is just one battle. Reforms are needed. If we cannot depend on trust and old values we need strong oversight bodies to monitor every tender and contract. More than ever we need a judicial commission to identify and address the governance gaps making state capture possible.
Reforming the powers of the Presidency are necessary. For years the country has been held hostage by a dictatorial presidency, one that recently prevented the appointment of a judicial commission into state capture.
That behaviour alone is reason enough to modify the absolute powers of the Presidency. Never again should this country be held hostage by one person with unlimited power. — Wongaletu Vanda, via email
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