The announcement by the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department in its Municipal Systems Amendment Act draft regulations that municipal managers could face a ban of up to ten years, if they are found to have committed fraud, financial misconduct or corruption is long overdue and a step in the right direction. Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) believes that it is time to intensify the fight against corruption because it is hampering service delivery and delaying government plans to improve the quality of life of the people in the country.

The world perception of South Africa with respect to business integrity and corruption is deteriorating at an alarming rate and it is demoralizing to the average person trying to earn an honest living.

Corruption forces honest hard working citizens to leave the country. Those who leave because of the demise of an honest and fair business environment are invariably the ones who are making a positive contribution to the economy at large. Businesses that were once loyal to South Africa also reconsider their options in this regard.

“Strong action is required from all stakeholders to curb the scourge of white collar crime and we need the Government to take the lead in this. As business we are committed to playing our part,” cautions CESA CEO Graham Pirie.

CESA proposes that all leaders, whether they are business leaders, political leaders or spiritual leaders, must be selected according to their ethical balance. Qualities such as IQ (intelligence quotient), EQ (emotional intelligence) and PhQ (your physical quotient) should be taken as given.

“A sustainable future depends on our ability to put leaders in place with the highest ethical balance,” he maintains.