Keep politics out of temple:
PUT aside “petty squabbling”, “self-praise” and the need to “use” cultural organisations to build one’s personal portfolio.
So says executive member of the Tamil Federation of KZN, Professor Gan Moodley.
Speaking at a Good Governance Symposium at the MTSS Hall in Clairwood on Sunday, Moodley emphasised the need for cultural and religious bodies to work together to be collectively responsible and accountable for their actions.
“Sadly, in many organisations, good governance appears to be a thing of the past or non-existent. There is much infighting among members,” he said.
“It time that we understood that in order for our organisations to flourish and evolve constructively, in a manner that will appeal to the youth, we need to develop good governance systems, eradicate corruption and nepotism and have proper checks and balances… to keep our officials accountable.”
Moodley said there was an imminent threat of the Indian language, culture and heritage and organisations needed to work together in “trust” to ensure this did not happen.
“For us to do less or nothing at all with the very real possibility of actively or passively killing our language and culture is unthinkable, if not criminal. I am well aware of the daunting challenge that we face but believe that we must set the ball in motion sooner rather than later.”
A panel of experts advised religious and cultural organisations on how to better manage and restore “balance” among members.
Professor Karthy Govender, a senior advocate, acting high court judge and professor of law at KwaZulu-Natal University, said every organisation should create a solid constitution that complied with the national Constitution.
“It is absolutely vital that you have in your constitution the objectives and aims of the organisation because they guide what you are supposed to do as long as you do not violate the rights of others,” he said.
He said one of the biggest conundrums was how to deal with the question of giving the executive sufficient power to function. “You cannot have two centres of power, that is a recipe for conflict.
“Your executive has to be the centre of power in the organisation. If you give that power to someone else, your employees will not want to take instruction from your executive and you will not succeed as an organisation...”
Financial expert Nithia Nalliah spoke on how organisations needed to operate in the best way possible and use of public funds.
“Public funds are given for the primary purpose of organisation. You need to separate your cash accordingly. Do not pay salaries in cash, you do not have a proof of payment in that way. Manage the money wisely and have a contingency plan.” He added regulatory and tax compliance were vital.