UNFIT FOR PUBLIC OFFICE - NO PROBLEM FOR ANC's FEATHERED NTLEMEZA?

There never seems to be a dull day in South Africa when it's moral fiber is put to the test by those within the ruling party. One such case is the appointment of Berning Ntlemeza as head of the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, more commonly known as the Hawks. Ntlemeza was appointed by police minister Nhleko, notwithstanding Judge Matojane's blistering excoriation of Ntlemeza for being "biased and dishonest"and lacking in "integrity and honour". Judge Matojane's ruling should have unequivocally demonstrated that Ntlemeza was unfit for public office having lied and under oath. But, then again police minister Nhleko's appointment is no surprise. He, and his infamous Nklandla report will serve as comedic fodder and ridicule for many years to come. Fortunately Nhleko's appointment of Ntlemeza is not cast in stone. A judge will rule on the lawfulness of the appointment in due course. Ntlemeza's appointment is a repetition of a long line of governmental appointments that are based simply on patronage and clientelism - a political order devoid of the values of competence, integrity, accountability and honesty. It is one thing for the ruling party to appoint loyal members to positions of power within the government. It is quite another to do so without regard to whether members are, in fact, fit for public office. The ruling party has habitually failed to employ one of the cardinal components of good governance - separating the worthy appointee from the worthless one. It should do so through a public vetting or confirmation hearing process. At the outset it will eliminate those who have no interest in disclosing shameful secrets. Surely prevention through a confirmation public hearing is the far better paradigm, in contrast to a court order vacating an appointment of one unfit for public office. At the very least it will add integrity and transparency to appointments.