Eastern Cape Premier Ms Noxolo Kiviet has today called on the people of the province to admit that "our moral values" have become worse than when former President Nelson Mandela addressed the Moral Regeneration Summit in 1998. She said it was important for the nation to admit that it has lost its moral compass. "The first step to correct your problems is to admit you have a problem."
Premier Kiviet said the high levels of corruption, crime, inequalities and the general loss of respect for each other as human beings has increased exponential the urgency with which "we have to act to restore our moral values." "It can't be right that 18 years into our democracy we still have to explain to our people the misuse of state funds, poor accounts for use of public funds, and the non-availability of text books to schools when service providers have been appointed to do the work."
"It cannot be right also that while levels of inequality have worsened in our society compounded by conspicuous consumption and phenomenal materialism as well as high levels of unemployment, we continue to allow civil servants to do business with their employer. Such a scenario does seriously compromise a constitutional principle of fairness, competitiveness and openness of the procurement system of government.This can lead to revolts by those adversely affected by inside trading within government," said Premier Kiviet.
She said these issues do not happen in heaven, but happen "in front of our eyes and are done by us, our brothers, fathers, sisters, mothers and a string of friends and other people we know. It is our individual and collective silence in the midst of these atrocities against humanity and abuse of power that makes the biggest noise."
Premier Kiviet said it was important for leaders of government, churches and tradition to stand up and educate the nation about morality and the principles of doing right and promote good values.
"I must warn though that educating our people about good morals and values would be futile if we leaders in government, business, and civil society do not practice what we preach. We educate better by our deeds and therefore there is a greater need for all leaders to exemplify that which they wish to see followers, youth and children doing in future."
"Unless we do that, we cannot expect the magnitudes of our people especially the youth to separate right from wrong, good from bad and moral conduct from immoral conduct."
She praised the Moral Regeneration Movement Steering Committee for organising the event saying "it is so important, to ask our Creator to give us strength, wisdom and guidance as we seek to lead his people in the right direction."
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