Key Takeaways
- The inaugural Kathy Award was given to Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter and Treasury’s Ismail Momoniat for their courage and service.
- Ismail Momoniat painted a bleak picture of corruption in South Africa, stating that it has marred the country since the end of the apartheid regime.
- Momoniat emphasized the need for an activist approach to fighting corruption, rather than a spontaneous one.
- The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation called on supporters to make a pledge to advance the values, ideals, and activism that defined Ahmed Kathrada’s life.
- Ethical leadership, courage, and service were highlighted as essential qualities in the fight against corruption.
Introduction to the Kathy Award
The Ahmed Kathrada Annual Banquet was held at the Sandton Convention Centre, where hundreds of guests gathered to celebrate the life of Ahmed Kathrada, fondly known as Kathy. The event saw the presentation of the inaugural Kathy Award to Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter and Treasury’s Ismail Momoniat, who were recognized for exemplifying the key words that describe Ahmed Kathrada: courage and service. According to Neeshan Balton, Executive Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Momoniat and Kieswetter have displayed these traits, demonstrating the courage to do the right thing and serve without expectation of reward.
The State of Corruption in South Africa
Ismail Momoniat, an official in the National Treasury, painted a bleak picture of the corruption that has marred South Africa since the dawn of freedom from the apartheid regime. He emphasized the need for South Africans to put the country and its people first, taking responsibility for the mess-ups and corruption that have occurred. Momoniat stressed that corruption is a significant obstacle to the government’s ability to deliver services, citing examples such as the provision of education and healthcare. He noted that the perception of the government’s ability to deliver services is compromised by the prevalence of corruption, which is on a mega scale and hinders the government’s efforts to address issues such as pit latrine toilets and hospital services.
The Need for an Activist Approach
Momoniat quoted Vladimir Lenin, who said that the spontaneity of the masses will not bring about change. He emphasized that an activist approach is necessary to fight corruption, rather than relying on a spontaneous approach. Momoniat noted that corruption is often facilitated by organized crime, which includes politicians, and that it requires a deliberate and sustained effort to defeat. He cautioned that unless there is an activist approach to fighting corruption, it will not be defeated. This approach requires a concerted effort from all members of society, including individuals, communities, and institutions, to demand accountability and transparency.
Ethical Leadership and Courage
Edward Kieswetter, the Sars Commissioner, spoke about the importance of ethical leadership, citing Ahmed Kathrada as an example of a leader who lived a life defined by purpose, not power. Kieswetter noted that leadership requires courage, including the courage to speak truth in difficult roles, to choose integrity where compromise is easy, and to continue serving even when the work is exhausting. He emphasized that leadership is not about noise, but about taking a principled stance and acting with integrity. This type of leadership is essential in the fight against corruption, as it provides a moral compass and inspires others to follow.
Building a Capacity to Deal with Corruption
Neeshan Balton, the Executive Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, emphasized the need for South Africans to build a capacity in society to deal with corruption wherever it happens. He noted that this requires every individual to demand accountability and transparency in their day-to-day lives, in their families, and in their communities. The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation called on supporters to make a pledge to help advance the values, ideals, and activism that defined Ahmed Kathrada’s life. This pledge includes a commitment to promoting ethical leadership, courage, and service, and to working towards a corruption-free society.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, the inaugural Kathy Award ceremony highlighted the importance of courage, service, and ethical leadership in the fight against corruption. The speeches by Ismail Momoniat, Edward Kieswetter, and Neeshan Balton emphasized the need for an activist approach to fighting corruption, rather than a spontaneous one. They also stressed the importance of building a capacity in society to deal with corruption and promoting ethical leadership. As South Africa continues to grapple with the challenges of corruption, it is essential that individuals, communities, and institutions work together to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity. By doing so, we can build a brighter future for all South Africans and create a society that is free from corruption and injustice.