https://chat.whatsapp.com/H73tMFovQOqJvID9W1zrXG
The road to recovery starts with understanding the problem
Stellenbosch University Law Faculty on 28 and 29 November 2024 – Advocate Adila Hassim.
Advocate Adila Hassim speaking:
“The core message of my address to you this morning is that there can be no transformation without accountability… I suggest to you that we have moved from the soft notions of accountability that emerged in the halcyon days of the late ’90s constitutionalism to a sharper articulation of what accountability requires, and from whom.”
These were the words of Advocate Adila Hassim, senior counsel at Thulamela Chambers and a renowned human rights lawyer, who was speaking at the Human Rights and Constitutional Accountability Conference, hosted by the Stellenbosch University Law Faculty on 28 and 29 November. The event marked 30 years of constitutional democracy in South Africa.
Hassim advocated for strengthening the call for individual accountability of public office bearers. She noted that the power assigned to the government didn’t belong to the individuals who occupied positions, but rather resided in the state for the common good.
“For accountability to be truly effective, it must be felt at an individual level… Individual accountability can range from remorse to criminal conviction – what is appropriate will depend on context. At times, an apology or a confession goes a long way in recognising the harm done and effecting course correction. Sometimes, sorry is not enough,” she said.
Lessons South Africa can learn from the United States of America
This speech from 1978 was taken from the “Milton Friedman Speaks” series and is entitled “The Future of Our Free Society.”
Milton Friedman points to the government as the only culprit for inflation.
In South-Africa:
Ernst Roets – 1) Five reasons why BEE is destructive
Ernst Roets – 2) Five reasons why BEE is immoral
2024-12-10
The people of South Africa are winners in so many aspects sport is one:
In 2024, South Africa has achieved top 3 rankings in several sports on the global stage:
- Rugby:
The South African national rugby team, the Springboks, continues to be one of the top teams in the world, consistently performing well in international competitions. - Cricket:
The Proteas, South Africa’s national cricket team, have shown strong performances, particularly in the T20 format, where they reached the finals of the T20 World Cup. - Football:
Bafana Bafana, the national football team, has made significant strides, finishing third in the AFCON 2024 campaign.Look at the two videos proving that point:
South Africa being the best rugby team in the world for 6 minutes 40 seconds
The Most Feared Rugby Team In The World:
The Springboks Are BRUTAL BEASTS
Why is the government failing the citizens of South Africa?
- Political instability:
Political instability in South Africa has been a significant concern in recent years. Several factors contribute to this instability. - Economic challenges:
High unemployment rates, rising commodity prices, and increasing crime rates have led to widespread dissatisfaction and social unrest. - Political risks and violence:
According to the Allianz Risk Barometer, political risks and violence are among the top risks in South Africa. This includes strikes, riots, and civil commotion. - Government corruption:
Corruption trials, such as those involving former president Jacob Zuma, have been flashpoints for civil unrest and have eroded public trust in government institutions. - Social and economic inequality:
Persistent inequalities in housing, water, electricity, and job opportunities have fueled frustration and protests.
These issues have created a volatile environment, making it challenging for the government to maintain stability and address the needs of its citizens.
Look at the South African politician problem we must fight as citizens:
Sources:
Mbeki says SA is in crisis mode
https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/12/09/mbeki-says-sa-is-in-crisis-mode
Political risks and violence is SA’s fourth biggest risk
We can be winners in our current governmental situation as well:
If we, as South African citizens, unite in our diversity like we do on the sports field against the current corrupt government and ineffective, failing political system, we all can walk out as winners in the end.
2025-02-07
South Africa, we need a new system:
Look at this Video – lessons we can learn from the USA.
Strengthening Individual Accountability of Public Office Bearers in South Africa.
Introduction
Accountability is a cornerstone of effective governance and is essential for the integrity of public office bearers. In advocating for individual accountability, it is important to understand how this principle can be applied to ensure that public officials are held responsible for their actions. This case study examines the call for strengthening individual accountability of public office bearers in South Africa, drawing comparisons with systems implemented in the USA, and proposes the introduction of a “Corruption Recovery Clock” in South Africa.
Advocating for Individual Accountability
Hassim has advocated for the strengthening of the call for individual accountability of public office bearers. According to Hassim, for accountability to be truly effective, it must be felt at an individual level. This means that public officials should not only be accountable to their respective institutions but should also face personal consequences for their actions. Individual accountability can range from expressing remorse to facing criminal conviction, depending on the severity of the misconduct.
Implementing an Effective System
To achieve this goal in South Africa, one approach is to implement a system similar to the US Debt Clock. The US Debt Clock is an online platform that provides real-time data on the country’s financial status, including debt levels, government spending, and economic indicators. By creating a similar platform in South Africa, public office bearers can be monitored and held accountable for their actions in real-time. This transparency will allow citizens to track government activities and ensure that officials are acting in the best interest of the public.
Learning from Success Stories
The successes of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E) provide valuable lessons for implementing effective accountability systems. The D.O.G.E has introduced innovative measures to improve government efficiency and transparency. For example, the DOGE Count Website (https://dogecount.com/) is an online platform that tracks government spending and efficiency metrics. By adopting similar measures, South Africa can create a culture of accountability and transparency.
Proposed Corruption Recovery Clock
In closing, South Africa would benefit from the implementation of a “Corruption Recovery Clock.” This platform would function similarly to the US Debt Clock and the DOGE Count Website, providing real-time data on government activities, corruption cases, and recovery efforts. By making this information publicly accessible, citizens can hold public office bearers accountable and ensure that corruption is addressed promptly and effectively.
Conclusion
Strengthening individual accountability of public office bearers is crucial for maintaining the integrity of governance in South Africa. By implementing systems similar to those in the USA, such as the US Debt Clock and the DOGE Count Website, and introducing a Corruption Recovery Clock, South Africa can enhance transparency, accountability, and trust in public institutions.