MPs’ unethical behaviour must be stopped

WHERE are we? Is this the South Africa I know? Or is it a convergence of politics?

A week ago, we were inundated with former DA Western Cape leader and MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela’s misrepresentation of facts, claiming to have obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree in his CV.

This saga resulted in him being suspended and he then resigned from all his leadership positions. Xanthea Limberg is another DA member on the list of members whose qualifications have come under scrutiny. Noting the above, one will need to think clearly about the need for ethical foundations within our politics and government circles. It cannot be right that people lie and there are no consequences.

On the other hand, the ANC has been struggling with implementing measures to curb the rising fraud and corruption levels in South Africa, especially by senior ANC members in government and the business sector.

The above has therefore necessitated the ANC to put new measures in place. A step-aside rule is essential as a control measure. This week we have seen the immediate implementation of this rule, and the most significant casualty was ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule.

We also received the news that the he “suspended” the country’s president in his capacity as leader of the ANC. Who has the right to suspend the sitting president? And what are the implications for his activities as the head of government?

There is a grey area that the ANC needs to answer before any damage is done to the South African brand. We want a country that respects the rule of law and is open to foreign direct investment.

Whatever we do must not be damaging “brand South Africa”. It is essential to note the above. If the situation is not managed correctly, it will be difficult to recover the ground lost in the international markets due to our failures.

There is a real need to put in the necessary measures to curb this rising tendency of unethical conduct by all of us, including the politicians.