As South Africa steps out of nearly ten years of maladministration and corruption great care is required from the private and public sectors to ensure the country stays on the right track.
According to Professor Richard Calland of the University of Cape Town’s law department, when the environment in the political realm becomes toxic it’s very easy to be swept up in it.
“Business will have to be very guarded and take great care as they move forward from now on,” he said. Addressing the annual Road Freight Association conference, Calland said accountability was a buzzword often used when in fact it had very different meanings to different people.
“We are in a time of very real change in the country and there is an opportunity for business to really take advantage and move themselves forward when it comes to accountability and good governance.”
Calland said while ongoing political risk and uncertainty continued to affect every sector in the economy, the road freight sector had felt the consequences of the past nine years more than others. With profit margins down, regulation and taxes increasing, the sector remained under pressure.
“The moment of truth for business has arrived. What sort of society do you want to do business in and what is your role in achieving that society?” he asked. “What is your responsibility in getting the country to the point where there is accountability, good governance and no corruption?”
He said with a new president in charge actively dealing with state capture and other corrupt forces within the government and the various political parties, now was also the time for business to clean house, know their social purpose and be accountable.
“Good governance is not just a requirement for the public sector. As private businesses, we also have an obligation to be ethical, honest, truthful and accountable.”
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There is an opportunity for business to move themselves forward when it comes to accountability and good governance. – Prof. Richard Calland
