Pretoria News

Transparency would keep corruption at bay

“Jy kannie ‘n skaaphond van a wolf maak’ie”. RICHARD CLOSE | Pretoria

WE SHOW ourselves to be corrupt to the core – from what we can see, 99.999% of us.

There’s a saying in point

So – in mutual understanding of the above – we have first to realise (all of us) that a (self legislated) forced, continual ultra transparancy is the only way we’re going to come through – and then implement it like our lives depend on it!

We have got to agree as South Africans that the necessary laws relating to the handling of finances at all levels must be pushed through Parliament for our own good, our own survival.

Every cent that comes into and leaves the state coffers has to be monitored and watched as if there were people who have designs on it every second of the day and everywhere it goes – because there’s no “as if” – they do.

Not a cent anywhere must be able to move anywhere else without anyone and everyone who might be interested knowing about it.

This transparency is to be there for the opposition parties to enjoy, the public to enjoy, private accountants and accounting companies to enjoy – and for all journalists to enjoy. No exceptions force.

The tender processes have likewise to be fully opened to the same scrutiny.

Where things appear in any way untoward, they must be subject to outside (private) public investigation, so that court intervention can timeously be sought wherever necessary.

The personal finances of all government and municipal employees – and of their existing (and any new) family members, friends, acquaintances, associates and businesses must lie open (all the time) to public scrutiny.

– not even the defence

This must simply be a fact of life for those in power – it goes with the territory.

A hitherto unknown standard for the disclosure of gifts and favours (to all of the above) must be put in place and continually policed and checked.

Prosecution of transgressors must be swift, harsh and relentless.

We have to develop a mindset that he or she who wants to govern will do so under the spotlight, naked!

When we are all wise enough to know that these measures which, at first, will appear to be to our shame – will become our pride – and are a means to survival – we’ll do it.

OPINION

en-za

2023-02-03T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-02-03T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://pretorianews.pressreader.com/article/281702618861464

African News Agency