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Why vetting and accountability could finally bring transparency to South African leadership

South Africans have long grappled with leaders who seem to slip through the cracks of accountability. Corruption scandals come and go, but the people in power often remain untouched by real consequences. Yet, there’s a growing chorus of voices calling for something different: clear, enforceable performance contracts, rigorous lifestyle audits, and a system where leaders can’t just shrug off wrongdoing.

The Problem: Leaders Who Think They’re Untouchable

Mike Bolhuis, a seasoned investigator specialising in serious crimes, hits the nail on the head when he says most leaders engage in corrupt activities because they believe they won’t be caught or punished. This is no small issue in a country where public trust in political figures is at an all-time low, with social media regularly lighting up with outrage over another scandal or suspicious lifestyle.

What Are Performance Contracts?

Performance contracts aren’t a new idea in South African politics, but they’ve often been more talk than action. These contracts are essentially agreements that tie a leader’s job performance to specific, measurable outcomes. If a leader fails to deliver or gets caught breaking the law, the contract should enable swift removal from office.

In other words, it’s about shifting from vague promises to clear accountability, a contract that says, “Here are your responsibilities, and if you don’t meet them, you’re out.”

Lifestyle Audits: The Reality Check We Need

Another tool in the anti-corruption toolkit is the lifestyle audit. Simply put, this means scrutinising a public official’s lifestyle against their declared income. Do their assets, spending, and habits line up with what they earn? If not, it raises red flags about potential illicit enrichment or corruption.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has promised these audits as part of his broader anti-corruption strategy. Still, political analyst Goodenough Mashego points out that many leaders resist this kind of scrutiny because they often have something to hide.

The Missed Opportunity of 2014

Interestingly, a chance to strengthen accountability was on the table nearly a decade ago. Back in 2014, the Cabinet agreed on vetting officials working in state financial institutions. This move could have helped prevent corrupt activities by ensuring that people handling public money were trustworthy.

But the vetting never truly happened. Why? Perhaps a mixture of bureaucratic inertia, political reluctance, or vested interests blocking the way. This failure left a significant gap that corruption continued to exploit.

Why This Matters Now

South Africa is at a crossroads. Citizens are frustrated and demand leaders who serve the public, not themselves. With the rise of social media, stories of corruption don’t just stay in courtrooms or newspapers, they go viral, shaping public opinion and increasing pressure for real reform.

The combination of performance contracts, lifestyle audits, and actual consequences for wrongdoing could finally create a culture where public officials know their actions matter. Where they can’t just assume immunity because of their position or connections.

A Fresh Perspective

This isn’t just about punishment; it’s about trust. By clearly defining what’s expected and ensuring transparency, South Africa can begin repairing its fractured relationship between the governed and those who govern. It’s a necessary step towards a healthier democracy, one where the people feel heard, and leaders know their place is a privilege, not a right.

{Source: The Citizen}

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