Date: 19/08/2010
Source: The Presidency
Title: SA: Motlanthe: Reply to Parliamentary questions, by the Deputy President of South Africa, on politics and business code of ethics, in the National Assembly, Cape Town

Question No. 8
Reverend K RJ Meshoe (African Christian Democratic Party) to ask the Deputy President:

Whether, in light of his speech at the Regenesys graduation ceremony on 4 August 2010, he has taken any steps to establish a code of ethics for both business and politics, if not, why not; if so, (a) who are the drafters of the code and (b) (i) how will the code be enforced and (ii) by whom will it be enforced?

Reply:

Honourable Meshoe, at the Regenesys graduation ceremony to which you refer, I was addressing young management and leadership graduates and I encouraged them as the leaders of tomorrow to always engage in good governance practice, whether they work in the private or public sectors.

I further conveyed that for any society to thrive, especially for the benefit of the poor, it has to have in place moderating mechanisms, plus checks and balances because the system by its nature is imperfect.

As the member should be aware, there are a number of initiatives and instruments like the king code that promote ethical dealings by the business sector. Unless gaps are identified in these measures, among others, there is no need for further codes.

As for codes of ethics for politics, as the honourable member is aware there is the executive ethics act which was passed by this house, the code of conduct for members of Parliament, which is implemented by the Joint Ethics Committee of Parliament as well as codes for members of provincial legislatures and municipal councils. Unless otherwise determined by Parliament, there is no need for new codes.

let me reiterate honourable member, it is not so much the content of the existing codes, whether they be in the business or political spheres but rather the adherence to and enforcement of these codes that is important.

I thank you.