I'd like to respond to President Thabo Mbeki's statements about corruption. Sure, corruption keeps many in poverty, but that does not solve the problem. We talk and talk about eliminating poverty and fighting corruption, but somehow we let it take root and then we feed it.
I'd like to respond to President Thabo Mbeki's statements about corruption. Sure, corruption keeps many in poverty, but that does not solve the problem. We talk and talk about eliminating poverty and fighting corruption, but somehow we let it take root and then we feed it.
To eradicate corruption we need to take concrete steps with visible results. We need to find, charge, prosecute and punish those that leech off the poor. This should not just be restricted to those at the bottom structures of institutions. If an MEC, MPL, MP or cabinet minister is guilty of corruption, they should not be allowed to continue in office and speak on our behalf like the Travelgate scoundrels. They should be disciplined and forced to pay back.
As a parting shot, allow me to quote Polish dissident and outspoken journalist Adam Michnik: "Start doing the things you think should be done and start being what you think society should become. Do you believe in free speech? Then speak freely. Do you love the truth? Then tell it. Do you believe in an open society? Then act in the open."
We could go further and say, do you believe in a transparent government? Then the government should become transparent.
Brian Goodall, DA Leader,
Gauteng Legislature
Talking will not stop corruption
I'd like to respond to President Thabo Mbeki's statements about corruption. Sure, corruption keeps many in poverty, but that does not solve the problem. We talk and talk about eliminating poverty and fighting corruption, but somehow we let it take root and then we feed it.
I'd like to respond to President Thabo Mbeki's statements about corruption. Sure, corruption keeps many in poverty, but that does not solve the problem. We talk and talk about eliminating poverty and fighting corruption, but somehow we let it take root and then we feed it.
To eradicate corruption we need to take concrete steps with visible results. We need to find, charge, prosecute and punish those that leech off the poor. This should not just be restricted to those at the bottom structures of institutions. If an MEC, MPL, MP or cabinet minister is guilty of corruption, they should not be allowed to continue in office and speak on our behalf like the Travelgate scoundrels. They should be disciplined and forced to pay back.
As a parting shot, allow me to quote Polish dissident and outspoken journalist Adam Michnik: "Start doing the things you think should be done and start being what you think society should become. Do you believe in free speech? Then speak freely. Do you love the truth? Then tell it. Do you believe in an open society? Then act in the open."
We could go further and say, do you believe in a transparent government? Then the government should become transparent.
Brian Goodall, DA Leader,
Gauteng Legislature