Public Protector says true leaders are not about titles but sound ethical conduct

You do not need a title to lead but to step up every day to lead and think outside the box. The challenge about ethical and sustainable leadership is to lead oneself successfully and persistently, said Public Protector Adv Thuli Madonsela addressing delegates at “Tomorrow’s Leaders Convention” in Sandton this morning.

 

Ethical leadership is the lifeblood of sustainable leadership where the end does not justify the means. She impressed upon delegates to do their best to ensure that they are not involved in among others:

 

Unethical leadership in the integrity sector like the Public Protector South Africa, relates to administrative acts that cause injustice to people. For example, gross irregularities in the social housing schemes and lease contract irregularities. She warned that those intoxicated with power make decisions that hurt ordinary people. She emphasized the importance of the role played by those who entrusted with public resources. These officials must conduct themselves in an ethical manner and ensure that public resources are used within the law and in the interest of the people.

 

She further alluded to the Protection of State Information Bill and indicated that if it is passed as it is, it will shrink the public accountability space her office occupies.

 

The Public Protector said enduring leadership is about being authentic and reconciling your actions with pronouncements. She hailed the Convention as a milestone of Corporate South Africa in contributing to the vision of a better life for all as envisaged in the Constitution and challenged young leaders to use their knowledge and skills to work with government to promote good governance and end maladministration.