It+is+time+for+decisive+leadership,+Mathews+Phosa,+Star



=It's time for decisive leadership=


 * Mathews Phosa, The Star, 16 January 2008**

The current situation in South Africa, where the tensions between the different security institutions are becoming harder to tolerate by the day, is a cause for concern for all of those who have the best interests of the country, and its stability, at heart.

Let us look at the situation as it currently presents itself to the viewers of television and the readers of newspapers:

The national commissioner of police has been placed on extended leave pending future charges driven by the so-called Scorpions.

The director of the National Prosecuting Authority, under which the Scorpions fall, is on suspension pending the completion of a commission of inquiry, headed by the former speaker of parliament.

The former head of the National Intelligence Agency was recently acquitted in one of the court cases.

As for the Department of Defence, the so-called arms deal scandal has reared its head again, with court cases looming, and the ANC has announced that it will be gathering information on the matter.

In another organ, closely linked to internal security, the Department of Home Affairs is attempting to stem the tide of what appears to be endemic corruption.

None of this paints an encouraging picture of good governance nor of strategic planning. One of the reasons why it is very troubling is because it is happening against the backdrop of the fight against crime.

There is a strong perception that too many resources are being directed towards high-profile court cases and not enough towards providing security for the ordinary citizen in the street.

There is also a perception developing that some of the high-profile cases are the result of turf wars from the political manoeuvring or tension created by state institutions trying to destroy each other through criminalising opposing leaders.

As a point of departure in discussing this matter it is important to note that the ANC places a very high premium on internal stability in the country, as well as stability in the security departments of government.

We will do everything in our power to ensure that leadership in the public administration is stable, that we attempt to avoid future turf wars, and that we ensure that, over time, substantial resources are not wasted attempting to settle personal and political scores.

In this regard it is important to note that the ANC will meticulously ensure that the resolutions taken at its December conference in Polokwane are carried out to the letter.

We will not be drawn into turf battles between either leaders or institutions through public positioning or shows of strength.

One of the most dangerous tendencies in public administration is when government officials design political and public campaigns to sway elected politicians away from decisions taken in properly mandated forums.

The president of the ANC sent a clear message to those who engage in gossip, rumour-mongering and positioning: it is against the principles of the ANC.

We will deal with matters on a principled basis, and not on the basis of the news highlights of the day.

One of the decisions taken at the Polokwane conference was that the Scorpions must be disbanded in their current format and integrated into the South African Police Service. We will ensure that this instruction from conference is given the priority required and that it is completed within the deadlines imposed on us.

It is of the utmost importance that we have strong leadership, continuity of leadership and a stable environment in our security departments.

We cannot allow a situation to develop where the very institutions that were created to ensure public stability project a picture of instability, turbulence, infighting and an absence of principled leadership.

The truth of the matter is that we have taken our eye off the ball. The ordinary voter at grassroots level, who has no interest in the high-level political ping-pong that we are witnesses to on a day-to-day level, suffers the most.

We need to get our priorities straight.

The ANC, under the leadership of its president and elected leadership, will apply its mind to the issue to ensure that less time and resources are directed towards non-productive positioning processes and more time, money and effort to ensure stability and security for the people of the country.

It is a very serious matter, which we will treat with the necessary respect and with the highest priority.


 * Mathews Phosa is ANC treasurer-general


 * From: http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4207414**

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