South Africa

The recent power-failures/gravy plane/oilgate/land distribution "fun and games" have got me thinking.

Let's talk about responsibility for a moment, or the lack thereof that seems to be effecting many so called "influential" people in SA. It's quite simple really - when you are put in a position of power/influence you are afforded certain privileges that come with the added responsibilities you have chosen to shoulder, it's a balance between the two. In public office there are additional burdens the most important of which is that of a fiduciary duty. Here's a nice definition (found via Wiki)

"A fiduciary duty is the highest standard of care imposed at either equity or law. A fiduciary is expected to be extremely loyal to the person they owe the duty (the "principal"): they must not put their personal interests before the duty, and must not profit from their position as a fiduciary, unless the principal consents. The fiduciary relationship is highlighted by good faith, loyalty and trust, and the word itself originally comes from the Latin fides, meaning faith" 

 

Sounds all very good and noble, but whether politicians like it or not they have chosen to become representatives of the people. By making this choice they have signalled their acceptance of this "contract" of faith. Likewise the electorate has signalled it's confidence in the person by electing them and presenting them with a mandate to represent their interests.

This is often the blind spot of this government and the various party functionaries that it has elected to serve in public office. Try to think of all the scandals have broken since this government took power? Now think of how many officials implicated in these scandals have a) resigned or b) apologised for their actions? Still thinking? Yes me too, that's because I cannot actually name one official who has done the honorable thing and fallen on his sword or given a believable mia culpa. I don't know how many times an issue effecting a public official has devolved into a crude game of pass the buck - cos lord only know it's always someone else's fault isn't it? Or failing that the second defence seem to be to just ignore the findings of whatever commission or court that was tasked to investigate the mistake/crime/incompetence and sail on irregardless. Bad attitude. Bad example. Bad leadership.