SA needs ethical leadership – MRM
BRAAMFONTEIN – A need for ethical leadership has led to the signing of a memorandum by two corruption-fighting institutions.
In an effort to curb corruption and promote ethical and profession leadership in the public service, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) and Public Service Commission (PSC) signed a memorandum of understanding recently.
The MRM is a civil society-driven movement hat promotes networking for initiative and processes that combat moral decay. Likewise, the PSC, among other duties, monitor public service.
https://twitter.com/PSC_SouthAfrica/status/756065895655546881
Both institutions met with similar goals for the public service leadership in South Africa. The chairperson of the MRM, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, emphasised that at this point in time, the country needs ethical leadership.
The memorandum came into affect this morning and will remain in force for three years. It is not a legally binding document, meaning both institutions remain legally independent, but Mkhatshwa said it was indeed “ethically binding”.
The PSC chairperson, Advocate Richard Sizani, said even with an institution like the Public Protector and what the law sets out, “they are not succeeding”.
He added that one of the first lessons a public servant learns is putting the people you serve first.
“Unfortunately, you see situations where a taxi [owner] with millions in the bank because of a government tender, but someone with a degree can’t find a job,” he said.
The newly formed partnership will now plan the implementation of public lectures, promotional events and co-sponsorships to help motivate not only technical but also ethical leadership.
Director-General of the PSC, Dr Dovhani Mamphiswana, said he believes through the public lectures, residents will also be informed about ethical leadership and can hold public servants within their community accountable.
“We hope to be able to professionalise the public service,” he said.
It is believed that if the programme works, citizens’ quality of life will generally improve.
The MRM, together with the South African Local Government Association (Salga), has already undertaken to train newly elected councillors on ethical leadership. This aims to better the relationship between public servants and the community.
Let us know if you think this programme will change the approach public servants will have towards communities and do you think there is a need for it? Let us know by commenting on our website www.randburgsun.co.za
Details: PSC, 0800 701 701; MRM, 011 403 3559.
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