The national executive committee (NEC) of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) has become the latest body to express concern over floor-crossing.
The committee met at the SACC’s Johannesburg headquarters on Tuesday.
Expressing themselves broadly satisfied with the consolidation of South Africa’s democracy and the emergence of a mature and deeply rooted culture of democracy, the church leaders nonetheless had misgivings about the practice of floor-crossing.
”The NEC remains concerned that the floor-crossing periods have become free-for-alls in which the pursuit of personal power and status eclipses concern for the public good.
”This can fuel cynicism about politics and politicians, promote voter apathy and ultimately undermine democratic participation,” the SACC said.
In a related move, the SACC NEC endorsed calls for the disclosure and regulation of significant contributions to political parties in an effort to dispel pessimism and promote transparency and accountability.
It applauded the African National Congress’s commitment to introducing legislation to this effect and urged that this be done expeditiously.
”Disclosure of donations is consistent with the ‘right-to-know’ principles underpinning the constitutional guarantee of access to information,” the NEC said.
”It enables voters to fulfil their civic responsibilities on an informed and equitable basis, and it also helps to eradicate the brand of corruption that thrives on secrecy. The NEC challenged the council’s member churches to lead by example by ensuring greater transparency in their own financial and administrative practices.”
The NEC said municipal elections expected to occur in early 2006 represent a critical phase in the development of democracy at the local level.
”The recent civil uprisings, reportedly triggered by poor municipal service delivery, have underscored the importance of effective local government. The NEC acknowledged the legitimacy of the grievances that prompted the protests, but expressed concern about their destructiveness.
”It called on churches to assist councillors in ensuring effective community participation in policymaking at the local level and the delivery of services that promotes sustainable development.” — Sapa