The return of a top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz by a senior cabinet minister marks an important turning point in the culture of entitlement and kickbacks in government circles.
Transport Minister S’bu Ndebele’s decision will, inevitably, restore faith in the ANC leadership.
It is not only a coordinate for taking an anti-corruption stance but a resounding statement that it is not necessary for those who get a government tender or contract to say “thank you” to those who do their job well.
It is necessary for those who benefit from government empowerment schemes to resist the temptation to do the so-called African thing of showing appreciation.
Nobody owes a government minister or official anything when the latter has done the right thing, which is empower ordinary folks of this country and create opportunities for self-employment and economic independence.
Ndebele’s decision should not be undervalued. In fact it can lead to adjusting the boundaries between the prevalent culture of entitlement, control and self-aggrandisement among public officials who think they are entitled to “gifts” for doing their well-paid jobs well.
Ndebele’s return of the S-Class is a significant paradigm shift.
This society is confronted with an extraordinary difficulty where the worth of an individual is, to a large extent, determined by the value of the car they drive.
It’s time material worship was discouraged, especially among public service leaders that could use the money to improve the lot of the suffering African masses.
Ndebele has set an excellent example that should challenge many not only to re-examine moral values but rethink the tendency to obsess about the cars we drive. Cars are used as a yardstick for self-importance, success and achievement.
Instead, the privileged should seriously consider investing their “extra-money” in sending a poor child to a decent school or providing a start-up fund for go-getters to start small businesses.
Ndebele’s personal choice not only makes a resounding statement against self-aggrandisement but constitutes the best example of ethical behaviour by a government minister in Africa.
It’s a very good thing that President Jacob Zuma only reminded him of the rules and did not decide for him.
As he returns the car, many people are incensed that this is an insult to the African culture of making offerings.
Without insulting so-called African culture, I would be curious to know where it says resources that can be used to improve the quality of life of the poor majority should be offered to an individual for doing a job that he is well-paid for.
In fact, what better statement in the name of so-called African culture could Ndebele have made than to put the interests of the poor and marginalised before his individual benefit?
Through his gesture, he has thrown the challenge back to those that have benefited from working with him to develop and create more opportunities for underprivileged people.
There are far too many people who offer so-called African culture as an excuse not only to rob the masses blind, but put themselves on the demi-god pedestal.
To be sure, Ndebele was not obliged to return the car.
In fact the rules of engagement as espoused by Zuma’s government say that the least he could have done was fully declare his “gift”. It would have been wrong for anyone to suspect or accuse Ndebele of corruption had he decided to keep the luxury car.
Thus the polite return of the car not only calls into the question so-called African cultural practices but cultivating new morals in public service where ministers and officials will immediately desist from expecting kickbacks for outstanding performance.
What Ndebele has done matters greatly in a climate where a dark cloud of alleged corruption continues to hang over his boss.
It is essential for government top dogs to be seen to be doing the right thing and Ndebele has not only set a high moral standard but shown that Zuma has entrusted leadership to men who are ready to do the right thing.
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