EDITOR – With national elections on the horizon, I note the word ‘integrity’ being bandied about by a variety of politicians and political parties.
Integrity is defined as ‘steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code,’ a concept that impacts deeply, and is certainly very relevant these days.
So the much maligned ANC should be lauded for having established of an ‘integrity commission,’ with the declared intention to vet all candidates and sanitise their candidate lists. But a difficult task lies ahead. Given that integrity and good character are prerequisite, where will they find the candidates? And who will do the selecting?
Unfortunately, our proportional representation system is a drawback. Candidates vie for position on the party list, not necessarily on merit. For the citizenry, who have no insight, no input and no say, this is like a lottery.
Given the ethical concerns already reported, but ignored in respect of wards 27 and 97 in eThekwini, I suggest the DA takes a leaf out of the ANC’s book and takes a close at its own candidates, including those who feature in the next municipal elections.
Saintly conduct is not expected, just integrity.
JEFF VAN BELKUM
