Banda earns respect

DEAR EDITOR — Malawian President Joyce Banda’s ethics and actions are estimable (Banda cuts own pay to share Malawi austerity pain, October 2). Her decision to slash her salary to what a comparable “mid-level South African civil servant earns” is admirable. She earns my respect because her very praxis is based more on what she gives rather than what she takes for herself and her kin from the public purse.

It will be remembered that Ms Banda announced her brand of reformist politics in June this year when she sold the presidential jet and fancy government cars. In the process, the Malawian Treasury recouped $15m.

Genuine leaders gain the confidence of citizens through their actions instead of rhetoric. For example, France’s ruling Socialist government set the example by agreeing to a 30% pay cut. In this way, President Francois Hollande was able to take the French population into his confidence about his plans for the future.

Sadly, in SAwe have become cynical when there is mention of Batho Pele or putting “people first” principles. In essence, we hunger for leaders of integrity who will serve without favour or discrimination. We cry out for upright public representatives eager to gain our trust by being open in what they stand for and for their transparency in how they plan to use government money. Topmost, we pine for selfless leaders driven less by satisfying personal ambition than by leaving a legacy in which all can share.

We experienced something of this tangible magic in the heydays of Nelson Mandela’s reign. Looking back, it all seems surreal.

Fortunately for the citizens of Malawi and France, upright leaders such as presidents Banda and Hollande understand the meaning and practice of the adage: “to lead is to serve”.