Start with rot at the top

When I reflect on my long experience in politics, I’m struck by the contrast between the high hopes for the new South Africa in 1994, and the disturbing reality today.

It should have been so much better. Of particular concern is our horrendous levels of crime, with 60 to 70 murders a day, and more than eight million unemployed. We are also plagued by power cuts and water shortages that could have been avoided with even a minimal level of competence.

There are two things we can do that will improve things immensely:

Affirm and reward merit; and punish and root out corruption.

We shouldn’t tolerate the appointment of unqualified people in key positions, nor the rampant corruption that is estimated to have cost more than R2 trillion since 1994.

A national dialogue should be unflinching in identifying the rot that starts at the top. It will need brave whistleblowers like Babita Deokaran who was murdered because she tried to stop suspicious payments at Tembisa Hospital.

The outcome should be a better understanding of winning policies, and the people of integrity who can implement them.

• Jack Bloom has served in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature for the Democratic Party/Democratic Alliance since 1994 as chief whip; leader of the opposition; and shadow MEC for health. He is the author of four books; and recently graduated with a PhD from the University of South Africa.