Steps to safeguard SA

THERE is now so much known about state capture that the commission of inquiry should be specifically tasked:

To explain how the capturers succeeded in undermining state-owned companies and institutions and how ANC policies like transformation and BEE were smokescreens for their diabolical activities.

To attempt to calculate the money stolen and harm done to us through unaffordable electricity, collapse of businesses, crime, unemployment and poverty.

To oversee the NPA and SAPS so perpetrators are quickly suspended, arrested, charged, brought to trial, jailed and the money recovered.

To analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the constitution and laws to determine why it took so long and was so difficult to bring state capturers to book, and what improvements should now be considered to our laws and constitution.

Many people have ill-advisedly criticised our proportional representation system, but I believe this is our great strength. Am I the only oldtimer who remembers how the National Party loaded constituencies, and how the Democratic Party struggled to increase its representation in Parliament? I believe if the old SA had had a proportional system of government, the transition to full democracy would have happened sooner and more peacefully.

Maybe the ANC will try to patch things up in their elective conference, but unless they quickly take drastic action against their dreadful president, it is inevitable they will lose power in 18 months’ time or sooner, if they split or disintegrate before then.

With the likelihood the next government could be a coalition, all the parties, including the ANC, should consider the following constitutional improvements, so that never again will a disgraceful, conniving and contemptible president ever think he can get away with doing whatever he likes:

If a member of Parliament votes against his party, he should retain his seat either as an independent or as a member of another party until the next election.

Prior to a national election, every party must have open and free elections for its party leader. Every vote must count equally and the elections must be certified by the IEC, in the case of larger parties, or auditors, in the case of smaller parties.

The electorate must be advised their task is to select the most capable and ethical people to run the economy. Open and fair contestation and debate on radio and TV must be fostered, so voters can assess the people standing for leadership and slots on their party lists.

The cabinet should be restricted to 12 people and Parliament to 150 members. There must be no more back benchers or bench warmers.

There should be a highly regarded non-executive, or ceremonial, president, not a member of Parliament, but elected by Parliament, who would have the following important responsibilities:

Proudly representing South Africa at international events, while the prime minister and his cabinet are hard at work.

From time to time discussing with leaders of the various parties who should lead the next government, and giving them up to, say, 60 days to form coalitions, when necessary.

Annually he would give a no-holds-barred State of the Nation Address, praising and criticising, where necessary, which Parliament would discuss.

He would be authorised to order commissions of inquiry when he deemed necessary or on the advice of the prime minister

He would confirm, on the advice of the prime minister and his cabinet, all senior government positions. Brian Massey