at the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Moral Regeneration
Conference
30 January 2007
Addressing a gathering of chaplains at the Moral Regeneration Movement
Conference organised by the Department of Defence in Cape Town on Tuesday, 30
January 2007, the Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said that "Our forces
in uniform, the army and the police, represent refuge and trust that uniform is
more than a piece of cloth, it is an identity that says: 'I am here to serve,
you can rely on me,' so we cannot allow a few bad potatoes to change that.
People in uniform have to, at all times, exhibit behaviour that is beyond
reproach."
The Deputy President said that the men and women in uniform ought to be
exemplary, helpful and must be seen to be going an extra mile in whatever they
do without seeking to enrich themselves unjustly, "because this is a service
and a vocation, it is not just another job!".
"Members must live according to the highest possible standards and exhibit
higher public service ethos, spirit and public morality. Anything less is
traumatising to society because our people need standards, they need heroes,
they need people to look up to, and they need role models and mentors,"
declared Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka.
She said in their line of duty, as members of the forces, they are expected
to play that role and take that place of honour in society. Protectors should
not abuse or present a danger to society."Just like health workers have to
care, and bankers cannot be robbers, Chief Financial Officers cannot be caught
with their hands in the cookie jar. So you are in that special category that
you must be guardians of good values," said the Deputy President.
"Disgracing one's uniform and profession takes away not only the dignity of
the affected member but it hurts the collective image of even the innocent, so
we all cannot watch and allow it. It is everyone's duty to protect the image of
the force, to blow a whistle and if you do not, you become part of the
problem," she continued
Mrs Mlambo-Ngcuka said the work that was being done to alleviate poverty was
morally correct as it showed that government was a moral and a caring state.
She, however, lashed at public servants that under performed in doing their
work. "It is not acceptable for them to under-perform in this regard, worse to
cheat and steal from the state what is meant to go to the poor.
Under-performance does not only violate the Batho Pele principles, it is also
immoral, Period! Under-performance in service of the poor is even worse," she
said.
The Deputy President said she welcomed those types of conferences which
sought to explore what could be done to reflect togetherness on the moral
situation in the country, and take correctional steps where needed. She said
partnerships are crucial if the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) are to make
any lasting impact. These partnerships are also key for the South African
National Aids Council (SANAC).
A draft Charter of Positive Values had been produced and was meant to help
generate a discussion and deepen the communication around them.
The positive values in the Draft Charter are:
* respect for human dignity and equality,
* promoting freedom, the rule of law and democracy,
* improving the material well being of the majority and economic justice,
* enhancing family and community values,
* upholding loyalty, honesty and integrity,
* ensuring harmony in cultural belief and conscience,
* showing respect and concern for all people,
* striving for justice, fairness and peaceful co-existence.
Mrs Mlambo-Ngcuka challenged the conference members to take it upon
themselves to address sexual and all other forms of violence. "You must in this
conference help us understand why is it that more than 80 percent of murders
are committed between people who know one another, similarly with rapes and
other gruesome violations. Why is it that our people are not safe in their
homes, with friends, neighbourhoods and social places? That is an issue with
which you have to be seized," she said.
The Deputy President said: "These are the types of crimes that are very
difficult to the police. They need us as families and communities to
prevent.them, however, one death, irrespective of its cause or any form of
violation is one too many. So we remain committed to continue the fight against
crime and the downward trend as reflected by the crime statistics. The police
cannot do it alone. Government understands and feels the pain of those who have
been victims of crime and any other violation that is out of sync with the
society we are trying to build".
One of the things the conference had to deal with was the perception that
MRM was a movement that was solely centred on faith-based organisations (FBOs).
The possibility to dispel that perception was greater, the Deputy President
said.
It was important to note that ethics and values are important in all sectors
of our society, the Deputy President emphasised. She also urged the country to
work together for an HIV-free South Africa.
For more information please contact:
Thabang Chiloane
Tel: 012 300 /5311
Cell: 082 8888 783
Issued by: The Presidency
30 January 2007
Source: SAPA
