While it is heartening to note the Cabinet's decision to revisit the rule book pertaining to gifts for public representatives, the executive also deserves praise for dealing swiftly with the matter.

While it is heartening to note the Cabinet's decision to revisit the rule book pertaining to gifts for public representatives, the executive also deserves praise for dealing swiftly with the matter.

A few years ago Cabinet would have regarded such public outcry as a questioning of its wisdom.

We hope that the new rule book will be unambiguous about the undesirability of public office bearer being seen to be in the pockets of individuals or those in business.

Integrity in public institutions is like justice. It must be manifestly seen to exist to enjoy the public's confidence.

As things stand, corruption is the vilest cancer eating away at our public institutions.

An argument has been made to say that, as an African country, certain African values such as accepting a gift presented without prejudice must have a place in the body politic.

In general, this should hold but it is also disingenuous. Ubuntu is one of the most abused concepts in our country. Some now want to make it their ruse for what could easily amount to a corrupt relationship.

Unhappily, too many miscreants defile our political system just so they can enrich themselves. It is for these types that we must draft these rules.