South Africa Spearheads Ethical Leadership for Inclusive Development

In a pursuit to foster a more just, inclusive, and fundamentally transformed society, Thembi Nkadimeng, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), emphasized the pivotal role of ethical leadership in all spheres of government, particularly in local government. Addressing the ongoing Summit on Ethical Leadership in Local Government in Johannesburg, Minister Nkadimeng underscored the significance of integrity, accountability, and a dedicated commitment to serving the people.

Nkadimeng asserted that ethical leadership encompasses a profound acknowledgment of past injustices, an earnest effort to address present challenges, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring universal access to essential services. She emphasized the importance of providing clean, running water to the elderly, enabling them to maintain their health and dignity by taking medication on time.

Moreover, Nkadimeng highlighted the critical role of Local Economic Development (LED) in fostering sustainable growth, empowering local businesses, and catalyzing socio-economic progress. She emphasized the imperative of rooting out corruption in service delivery and adhering to principles of fairness and equality.

While acknowledging the strides made in expanding access to essential services, Nkadimeng cautioned that South Africa’s journey toward a just and equitable society is far from complete. Deep-rooted inequalities, systemic injustices, and pervasive poverty continue to marginalize millions of citizens. She called upon leaders and stakeholders in local government to confront these challenges, prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable, and strive to build a future where every individual can thrive.

Echoing Nkadimeng’s sentiments, Advocate Shamila Batohi, the Head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), emphasized the centrality of service delivery in local government. Batohi underscored the detrimental impact of corruption on communities and stressed the importance of ethical leadership in combating this scourge. She highlighted the necessity of strong leadership and rigorous criminal investigations to tackle corruption effectively.

Similarly, Advocate Andy Mothibi, Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), emphasized the correlation between poor governance and inadequate service delivery. Mothibi stressed the importance of implementing measures to combat corruption and underscored the need for ethical leadership across all levels of government.

The Summit on Ethical Leadership in Local Government, marking the culmination of three years of collaborative efforts within the Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative (LGELI), aims to develop and promote ethical leadership practices. LGELI, a partnership between The Ethics Institute, the Department for Cooperative Governance, the South African Local Government Association, and the Moral Regeneration Movement, seeks to foster a culture of integrity and accountability in local government.

As South Africa endeavors to build a more just and inclusive society, ethical leadership remains indispensable in driving positive change, ensuring effective governance, and advancing the well-being of all citizens. Through collective efforts and unwavering commitment to ethical principles, South Africa can overcome its challenges and realize its vision of a brighter future for all.