Chairperson, the purpose of this debate is to discuss and identify those things that can be done to improve government's performance. This is a brave undertaking, and if it is a serious one, it is to be welcomed.
That said, the time allocated to this debate precludes a full and proper interrogation of the subject. Instead, I wish to address a particular aspect of government policy in practice which I believe to be a fundamental one. Accountability is a key constitutional principle. It is a cornerstone of our democratic state, a duty expected of our public representatives, and an obligation to which the executive must yield. Yet, despite the fact that accountability is a thread woven intricately through the fabric of our democracy, it remains ill-defined. Its meaning has been steadily denuded by the behaviour of progressive ANC administrations to the point where it now rings hollow - an empty reference to an ideal no longer respected by the executive and, outside of the opposition, no longer evoked by the legislature.
For those people who represent this government, it is argued that accountability means nothing more than explaining one's actions. It is true that this is a critical part of accountability, but it is only a part. There is a second component to this principle, one that holds equal weight with the requirement that public representatives should explain their actions. There is the necessity that, should that explanation be inadequate, it must be met with consequences. And here I would like the indulgence of Mr Shiceka in listening very carefully.
If consequences are overlooked in favour of explanations, the effects for accountability specifically and democracy generally are damaging. If a public representative does not have to fear consequences, irrespective of the nature of their explanation, there is no longer any reason for them to properly explain their actions in the first place.
Accountability is reduced to a farce, and those mechanisms intended to enforce it are made redundant. This is the ANC's legacy. Unless it is addressed, its effect will be to render any new initiative, again, redundant.
We are in the process of discussing the nature and form of a new Ministry in the Presidency, one premised on the idea that this government understands what accountability is. That is a mistake. The ANC's understanding of accountability is not the same as that set out in our Constitution.
The greatest challenge facing this administration and the Presidency is how to change that - how to install a new and proper understanding of accountability and its essential purpose in ensuring good governance and a sound Public Service.
The answer, of course, is that the Presidency must lead by example. If members of the executive fail to meet their targets - and this is the word that hon Shiceka couldn't quite squeeze from his lips - they must be fired.
HON MEMBERS: Viva!