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Picture Courtesy: (The Star) Mmusi Maimane, advocating for a leaner, more accountable government, stands resolute outside the Union Buildings.
Maimane, known for his firm stance against corruption, has long advocated for a leaner government. “The dilemma we face at the moment is that there are too many ministries that are not accountable to anyone.” He argued that a bloated cabinet makes it challenging for the president to hold ministers accountable, a situation he intends to rectify. The BOSA leader’s plan involves not only cutting down the size of the Cabinet but also introducing stern measures to ensure the integrity of government officials. Forensic lifestyle audits, managed by an independent ethics ombudsman, will become compulsory for all politicians and senior government officials.
“This will look into bank accounts, debit payments, school fee payments, trust accounts, and all money that changed hands with politicians,” Maimane explained. Maimane proposes that Cabinet members sign performance contracts, aligning with senior government employees’ agreements, to be managed by an external service provider. This measure is designed to ensure that ministers are held to their promises and deliver on their mandates.The selection process for cabinet appointments will also see a significant change.
Maimane plans to open up the process beyond Parliament, allowing for the appointment of the best candidates for the job, regardless of their political affiliations. By broadening the appointment process for Cabinet roles, they will pave the way “for the president to appoint the best candidates to the Cabinet, not only Members of Parliament,” he asserted. To further clamp down on corruption, BOSA has pledged to increase the minimum sentence for corruption to 15 years’ imprisonment.
This tough stance reflects the party’s commitment to establishing a government that is free from the taint of corruption and capable of delivering services to the people. This move by Maimane and BOSA represents a significant departure from the status quo and sets a new precedent for governance in South Africa. It is a clear message that the fight against corruption is being taken seriously and that efficiency and accountability are at the forefront of the new government’s agenda.
With the election campaign in full swing, BOSA’s commitment to a fairer, more inclusive, and equal South Africa is clear. Whether Maimane’s vision will translate into reality remains to be seen, but the message is unequivocal: a leaner, more accountable government is on the horizon.
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