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Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. Photo: Sizwe Ndingane
Youth need to do more to strengthen democracy and human rights in the African continent, Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said on Friday.
“While a lot of progress has been registered since Africa was emancipated from the clutches of colonialism, a lot more still needs to be done in the areas of democracy and human rights,” she said in notes prepared for delivery.
“It is my sincere belief that building and supporting strong institutions 1/8that are 3/8 supporting democracy is one of the... pillars that will ensure that the African dream is never again derailed or deferred.”
Madonsela was speaking at the official opening of the University of Pretoria's masters' degree in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa.
She said the “Arab Spring” had significantly changed the political landscape of Africa and the Middle East.
“What we now refer to as the 'Arab Spring' is a response to, among others, these more recent challenges,” she said.
“You'd know that it all started with a young man in Tunisia who had had enough of bad governance or maladministration and its impact on his ability to engage in meaningful economic activity and accordingly live a dignified life.”
Tunisian street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire in December 2010, in protest at the confiscation of his stock by municipal workers.
Madonsela said the revolution came at a “heavy price”, including thousands of deaths.
“From our office here in South Africa we can give many examples of acting as a catalyst for systemic change. An area where my office has without doubt, served as a catalyst is the area of government procurement,” she said.
“We used among others, government leasing irregularities to highlight this area as causing enormous financial losses to the state and to advise on urgent action. It is gratifying to see that my findings were taken seriously.”
She said she was encouraged by the students' resolve to participate in the masters' programme.
“It gives me and others hope that this beautiful continent's future rests not only on the shoulders of its political leaders but also on informed and hopefully ethical leaders that you will become.” - Sapa
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jandr0, wrote
@buster: Many South Africans are trying to build a country where all can work towards their dreams, and you have no better comment than to focus on someone's facial features? What a twat you are!
Benson, wrote
Overstating the obvious. Why not focus your energies on the many critical issues crying out for help?
peter, wrote
The problem with SA youth is they let themselves be led by people who are bullys and don't care about youth issues , but only inriching themselves . Malema and co should tackle the poor pass rate , health etc but there is no money in that . The youth of tommorow will ask there parents , why where you led by these idiots . Another major problem is that any real youth leader , who can take the youth forward on a possitive note will be shouted down by the rabble we call our leaders . It is sad that the ANC and ANCYL have become pillars of greed and not insperation .
Brian Stevens, wrote
I'm living in New Zealand but always keep up to date with SA politics.This lady impress me more everyday i read this pages.I would vote for her if she made herself available for the presidency.She has the goods.And more importantly all the qualifications needed to be a great leader.And she's good looking as well.Easier on the eye than Zuma and probably tastier as well LOL.Greetings madam and keep up the good work.South Africa need people like you.
democrat, wrote
Bravo! Say it, and keep on saying it! The African Agenda can only be true if democratic institutions and human rights are respected and promoted. This is a significant stance against the other African Agenda of chauvinism, reactionary conservative values, and ethnocentric obsession. Madonsela's view of the African Agenda is the true post-colonial one, which must be advanced. If we fail in this, we are all in serious peril of diminished rights, diminished democracy, at the hands of power-hungry, ethnocentric, patriarchal chauvinists. Let Africa's youth make a stand for open democracy, and full civil and human rights, against the creeping culture of secrecy, impunity, and repression.
buster, wrote
ya thuli is brilliant and all that, but hey does she need an urgent nose job.at this rate she must be beathing in half of the world's oxygen supply(lol)
john, wrote
You are on the right track Ms Madonsela, but the youth must not expect to become rich via crooked tenders, without studying to see how they can help the majority earn a decent wage.
jim connolly, wrote
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