MAKHADO - “The difficult task of building a new, peaceful, democratic order for all citizens in South Africa, requires a firm commitment to reconciliation and national unity, to transcend the divisions and strife of the past. There is a need for understanding, but not for vengeance; a need for reparation, but not for retaliation; a need for ubuntu but not for victimization. Much of the unjust consequences of the past could not ever be fully reversed. It might be necessary in crucial areas to close the book on that past.”

These sentiments, contained in a decision of judge Mohamed in the case of the Azanian People’s Organization (AZAPO) and Others versus the President of the Republic of South Africa (1996) formed part of the backdrop to a formal policy statement adopted by the Chairperson’s Association (CA) last week.

“The common goal should be transparency, integrity and the seeking of truth and the finding of solutions and not the creation of problems,” said chairman André Naude of the CA during an official meeting.

He said the importance of good governance at all levels of society is widely recognized internationally as well as nationally by the government of the day.

In defining good corporate governance, he quoted Sir Adrian Cadbury in respect of the Corporate Governance Overview, in the 1999 World Bank Report.

“Corporate governance is concerned with holding the balance between economic and social goals and between individual and communal goals ... the aim is to align as nearly as possible the interests of individuals, corporations and society.”

Mr. Naudé said the CA consist of 51 chairpersons, who represent their organizations, as well as 17 church groups, who underwrite the values enshrined in the South African Constitution as well as good governance with integrity.

“We also support the principle that government in all its forms and levels should not rule the people, but should rule for the people. All communities should be properly consulted before any decisions are made which may affect their specific communities or communities in general, like with name changes.

“Proper service delivery should be rendered within the reasonable means of the various levels of governance. We want to enhance goods relations, based on integrity, amongst all organisations and cultural groups as well as amongst the private and public sector. Leaders of the various cultural groups should be treated with respect and courtesy even if we disagree with them, because they represent the ideas, wishes and needs of a specific interest group or community.

“We are of the view that Makhado Municipality and Vhembe Regional Municipality should be governed in an unbiased manner and that integrity should be given to the process. This includes the creation, protection and development of value to all stakeholders.”

He said the importance of good governance is driven by the requirements of the global situation and economy. Globalization requires the alignment of governance standards in terms of transparency, accountability and an integrated, inclusive approach to economic, social and environmental stewardship. The drive for improved standards of governance comes from the capital markets and society in general.

“Our region also demands good governance in all respects. A well-governed society is attractive for investment. The market valuation of any society incorporates a premium reflecting the strength or otherwise of its governance practices.

“All members of society have a common interest in the success of any organization or government department in which the interests converge, because their collective and individual fortunes are inextricably linked to it.”

He said the Chairpersons Association as an interest group cannot accommodate political parties or political groupings as members.

“They have their own battle to fight within the political field. We do not want to be influenced in respect of our totally independent approach to good, transparent and honest governance.”