It was Confucius who said “to know what is right and not to do it is the worst of cowardice”. Political integrity is what happens when actual integrity collides with the compromises that shady governance demands. Finance minister Nhlanhla Nene’s bungled response about his association with the Guptas — the pirates of Saxonwold — is a case in point. He bravely said no to a powerful president who was determined to saddle his country with eternal debt for nuclear energy, but in the process he became enmeshed and mired in radioactive politics. Integrity is a rare commodity, especially in our politics. In a toxic environment politicians who aspire to live up to the high standards of accountability often do not last. SA’s democracy reeks of corruption, lies and brazen lawlessness. The constitution will rapidly dwindle into becoming an interesting historical document. This is not the nation that showed so much promise 20 years ago. People in government and in the corridors of power have bec...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.