The decline in morals, values and ethics
Many articles have appeared in the press recently on issues that have been
topical over the past few weeks. In particular I refer to school-children
attacking others with lethal weapons, teachers crying out for help from the
department of education, instances of road rage, the carnage on or roads,
high crime levels, bribery, corruption and blatant dishonesty.
This is not a very positive image we are portraying to the world or to our own
citizens, be they black, white, coloured, Indian, male or female. It doesn’t
really matter; it is simply disgusting by anyone’s standard.
Recently an article was published on comments made by President Mbeki
regarding values and ethics in South Africa. These articles made me think,
that whatever the problems, all of them in one-way or another relate to values,
ethics and personal responsibility. Until we as “Proud South Africans” take a
good look at our personal values, ethics and behaviour on our roads nothing
is going to change. This is the starting point for the change and transformation
we all seek.
Politicians need to take a very critical look at their personal values and ethics
and our ministers need to consider these issues in the various departments
they are responsible for. Change can and will take place if the issue of ethics,
values, responsibility and standards are addressed at all levels.
The situation in our schools indicates nothing less than dismal failure. Minister
Pandor has a need to consider the situation very carefully. What standards
does the department of education uphold? What are the standards of and in
our schools? Do standards in fact exist? What code of ethics exists for
teachers? Is it adhered to? What code of ethics and behaviour is enforced in
our schools? Are the conditions in our schools such as to encourage and
stimulate a sense of pride by both the teachers and pupils? Is it acceptable for
a child to attack another with a lethal weapon? Is it acceptable that our school
children attend school carrying weapons?
A standard must be introduced that teaches our children that physical assault
on a teacher or another pupil will lead to instant dismissal and nothing less.
Children must be taught that carrying a weapon of any description while a
minor is a criminal offence and will be dealt with accordingly. Bringing a
weapon or drugs of any description, onto a school premises should similarly
lead to dismissal. Let us teach our children the value of human life, the value
of love and friendship and most importantly the value of ethical behaviour and
personal responsibility.
I believe any politician or minister found guilty of, or pleading guilty to an
offence, should have his or her position terminated without question.
Unethical and dishonest practices by those holding public office, including
those representing our trade unions, should be dealt with in the same manner.
Do standards of ethics and ethical behaviour exist or not?
We need to ensure there is no leniency given to crooks and fraudsters within
or outside of government. The message has to be that crime and corruption in
the public or private sectors will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The lack of control in the management of public finances leaves a lot to be
desired. The Public finance management act is clear as to what action should
be taken and sets out clear-cut guidelines related to mismanagement.
However mismanagement is rife and standards are not upheld or enforced.
Management is not held accountable for over expenditure, under expenditure
or expenditure in areas other than as allocated and agreed. Once again
ethics, values, accountability and responsibility are missing and little or no
remedial action is being taken.
To what extend do Employment Equity and Black Economic Empowerment
contribute? Here we have a situation where again the intention is good but
implementation disastrous. The same can be said for the SETAS and The
Skills Development Act. Both the governor of the reserve bank and the
minister of labour have admitted this in recent statements.
Employment Equity is a nightmare for most companies and BEE has become
a “gravy train” for the elite. The appointment of HDI staff has led to a situation
of ineptitude in many instances and has become a “get rich quick” route for
some unscrupulous employment agencies. Hence the “job hopping” and staff
turnover syndrome that currently exists. Once again it comes down to morals,
values, ethics and lack of responsibility.
BEE is rapidly becoming a case of apartheid in reverse. The refusal by any
public company to allow a white person to purchase shares is illegal and
unconstitutional to my way of thinking but is currently happening and is
condoned. In addition BEE has become the “new buddy system” for South
Africa. BEE favours the elite and many deals are structured merely as a front
to comply with legislation that is not working. Once again the question of
morals, ethics, values and standards is raised.
When considering the carnage on our roads, the behaviour of drivers, the lack
of consideration for others do we not have to ask what value we place on
human life? What gives a person the right to drive without due consideration
for others? What gives taxi drivers the right to enforce their own set of rules?
What gives any person the right to display road rage as we have seen
recently? What we see on a daily basis is blatant disregard for the rights of
others and a total lack of consideration. It is simply a case of selfishness and
a total lack of responsibility. Drivers of this calibre should have their licenses
revoked and their cars confiscated. Once again I stress, a lack of values,
ethics, standards and responsibility are the root cause.
Government has a responsibility to outline an acceptable standard of
behaviour and has a similar responsibility to establish a code of ethics that is
applicable to all. Added to this is the responsibility to ensure all citizens and
residents of South Africa are compelled to adhere to the ethical standards of
the country.
South Africa needs to be seen as a company run by a board of directors who
are forced to comply with good Corporate Governance as outlined in King 2.
Failure to comply should be dealt with swiftly and without tolerance. There can
be no double standards under any circumstances. One to two years of strict
enforcement irrespective of the cost, will change the attitudes of law-breakers
and unethical individuals very quickly. Morals, values, ethics and responsibility
need to be instilled and upheld. Now is the time for drastic measures. If it’s not
already too late, tomorrow will certainly be.
© Des Squire (Managing Member)
AMSI and ASSOCIATES cc
Cell 0828009057
des@amsiandassociates.co.za