It’s sad ‘leaders’ are ‘endless evils’ we endure

AS FORMER President Jacob Zuma started serving his sentence for contempt of court, we are reminded once again by the news headlines about the proverbial saying that “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”.

Why does power bring out the best in some and the worst in others? What influences individuals with not only power but also honourable positions and at times having enormous wealth, possessing good knowledge and credentials, then during twilight years to throw it all away?

Following the atrocities of World Wars I and II, global leaders established the UN and since then have adopted numerous human rights declaration, treaties and conventions, but regrettably, different types of lawlessness, occupation, violence and abuses are on the increase.

Democracies replaced authoritarianism, empires, monarchies and kingdoms, but it seems this form of governing is also failing. Principle-based approaches of governance such as the King Code of Governance Principles are utilised but malpractice and corruption are on the increase.

We have “better” structures but endless evils. Politicians, business executives and even religious leaders make news headlines nearly every day.

Public’s trust in governance is very low and the value systems of leaders is questionable. In the absence of principled, ethical, moral and servant leadership, not all is lost.

Turn to prayer and become active citizens to fight the good fight against unscrupulous leadership.

MOHAMED SAEED |