Cape Town, 10 September 2002
Honourable Deputy Speaker,
Honourable Members,
It is once again a pleasure for me to participate in a discussion on moral regeneration in this House, given the significance of this process in our country.
This debate indicates the seriousness that this House affords to the issue of moral renewal, as part of nation building in our country.
This interaction is important, Madame Deputy Speaker, as we live in an era of globalisation, characterised by fast paced change, bringing with it both positive and negative influences. The changes create uncertainty and unease about the present and the future, and provides yet another challenge for us as a nation in promoting good values.
We have only recently emerged from the apartheid era, where the violation of human rights and freedoms were a norm. In building a new nation, we therefore need to inculcate a new culture and values.
In addition, Deputy Speaker, Africa is also engaged in a process of renewal, through the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). We view the moral regeneration process as being intertwined with the fundamental NEPAD principles of good economic and political governance, entrenchment of democracy and respect for human rights, and ensuring peace and stability.
As a nation we are pleased to be making our contribution to the success of NEPAD in various ways, including through the moral regeneration process. The Moral Regeneration Movement seeks to entrench the values that are enshrined in our Constitution, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, as well as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and various other progressive international conventions. These give us a framework and a solid foundation.
Honourable members, you will recall that on 14 November last year in this House, we called for a moral regeneration summit to address the problem of moral decay in our country. This was also against the background of the gruesome molestation of baby Tshepang in the Northern Cape, and similar occurrences throughout the country. The perpetrator of the Tshepang attack has been sentenced to life plus 18 years imprisonment.
The successful conclusion of this case indicates yet another success of our criminal justice system, and showed what we can achieve through partnerships between the police and communities in the fight against crime.
Colleagues, you will also remember that there was a strong feeling at the time of our debate last year, that we needed to urgently confront the manifestations of moral decay in our midst, head on. These include, amongst others;
Subsequently, over 1000 representatives of government, parliament and non-governmental organisations gathered in Pretoria on the 18th of April, to establish the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM).
I must thank you Honourable members for your participation in large numbers at that Summit. It indicated the deep-seated concern of this House about matters of national importance.
The launch has been followed by a period of structural development and networking at all levels. The MRM Working Committee appointed in November 2001 has been considerably enlarged to include members of Provincial MRM Committees, political parties, and other sectors of civil society.
The establishment of MRM committees in most provinces, as well as some municipalities and metros, indicates that the MRM is taking root at every level.
We are also pleased at the manner in which the campaign has captured the imagination of many sectors, from the religious sector, business, women, youth, schools and institutions of higher learning.
The strong focus on MRM activities during Youth Month was especially encouraging as the active participation of the youth in the campaign augurs well for its sustainability.
The Western Cape province held a moral regeneration summit on the 20th of August, while other provinces have held consultative forums.
In addition, religious parliaments were convened in the Northern Cape in May and Eastern Cape in July. However, it is important to note that the moral regeneration movement is multi-sectoral and not confined to the religious sector only.
Through the launch of the MRM, we have laid the foundation and established a vehicle for the promotion of good values in our society. However, a lot of hard work lies ahead, in the implementation, and this requires each of us to lend a hand, in the true spirit of volunteerism and "vukuzenzele."
Colleagues, the Constitution of our country best outlines our values, such as freedom, equality, human dignity, responsibility, accountability, respect and tolerance. We need to promote these values in our homes, communities, places of work, schools, places of worship and everywhere else.
I must also reiterate Madame Deputy Speaker, the necessity of strengthening the family structure. The institution of the family is an important entity for nurturing values, attitudes and behaviour.
If we restore the values of respect, honesty, responsibility, integrity, care and support within families, and clearly demarcate the lines between right and wrong to our children, we will be making inroads in dealing with moral regeneration of our society.
Madame Deputy Speaker, there is a tendency to direct the fight against corruption and moral decay primarily at communities and the public sector.
We must however, note that this year has been marked by a number of major corruption scandals in the corporate sector, both locally and abroad.
This happens because we are all part of the same globe and contaminate each other. No sector is immune and this further underlines the need for this campaign.
The corporate sector revelations have indicated shocking deficiencies in corporate governance, and the inclination towards the elevation of the profit motive above all other ethical and social responsibilities.
As part of the continental renewal, Africa has undertaken to ensure good and clean economic governance within the NEPAD framework, and we need to deliver on this mission. The King Reports on Corporate Governance provide a solid framework in this regard.
Honourable members, we must also emphasise the positive influence of good role models in our society to provide the necessary leadership, especially to the youth. I must single out musicians such as Hugh Masekela and Tshepo Tshola who are working tirelessly in a campaign against substance abuse in the entertainment industry. They need our support and encouragement in their good work.
To assist such campaigns, plans are underway for the development of a national moral charter. The Charter will represent a crystallisation of the central tenets of the various charters ranging from the King Reports on Corporate Governance to the various codes of conduct in the public and private sector.
It will be a concise pledge, which will contain the essence of core good values and ethics we would all want to adhere to, and would be prepared to be judged against. We will release details of the campaign for the citizens of the country to participate in the drawing up of the Charter in the next month.
Honourable Members, you will recall that our President launched the Freedom Park Heritage Site on the 16th of June this year. The site is a celebration of our history and the sacrifices of people who fought for the time-honoured values that are enshrined in our Constitution.
It also serves as a powerful reminder of what we have achieved against all odds as we move forward to rebuild our country. These are the memories, which should provide us with the courage to build a better society and a better country.
We need to continue working tirelessly to play our role in entrenching good values and behaviour. We must volunteer our time and offer our services to neighbourhood schools, hospitals and clinics, to assist the elderly, sick and vulnerable, and through taking decisive action against crime and corruption.
Once we have succeeded in building a truly caring nation, with sound values and a solid foundation, we will have enhanced our freedom and democracy, and will better appreciate what these values mean.
Madame Deputy Speaker, it is important that as public representatives, we play a leading role in the moral regeneration process. I trust that during this debate, Honourable Members from all political parties will share with us information on programmes that are in place or are being set up in their constituencies to ensure that this renewal becomes a reality in every corner of the country. It is when we all lend a hand that we can be able to see positive results.
Honourable Members, let me reiterate that this is everyone's campaign, irrespective of political affiliation and any other beliefs.
We have begun the journey. Together, and side-by-side, with unwavering determination and commitment, we must walk this challenging road, until we achieve a truly caring society with unshakeable foundations.
I thank you.