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CEO UPDATE
WHEN THE LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTER, OUR COUNTRY'S HOPE RISES
It’s September 2024, four months into the 7th Administration and three decades into democracy, and I feel more hopeful for South Africa than I did 10 years ago, during the height of Zuma’s state capture. I’m even more optimistic than I was six months ago, in the lead-up to the National Elections.
The last time I felt this hopeful was on February 14, 2018. Not because it was Valentine’s Day, but because Jacob Zuma finally stepped down, albeit reluctantly, handing over the reins to Cyril Ramaphosa. I believed that moment marked a turning point, steering South Africa out of the stormy waters and fog of corruption and toward recovery.
But that hope was short-lived. Like millions of South Africans, I fell for the "Thuma Mina" dream. So, what has changed now? After all, we still have the same president at the helm, struggling to navigate troubled waters.
A lot has changed.
The most significant change is our transition into a unified coalition government, often referred to as a Government of National Unity (GNU). Opposing parties are now working together, bringing fresh perspectives into the executive and new ideas for how government can truly serve its people. That is bigger than many imagine it to be and keeping it intact is very important.
In another major development, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced the appointment of Advocates Paul Pretorius and Matthew Chaskalson SC to lead the prosecution of State Capture cases. Both served as key evidence leaders during the Zondo Commission, giving them deep insight into the inquiry and enabling them to focus on the most critical areas for prosecution. The public eagerly awaits justice and the sight of accountability.
Recovery, much like in a patient emerging from the ICU, starts slowly, but once it begins, it spreads. Some areas show progress faster than others, but momentum builds. This is what we at OUTA are witnessing – doors that were once firmly closed are now opening. We’re being invited to engage in discussions on where the problems lie and what solutions we believe are necessary. Though the progress is slow for now and there’s a long way to go, it’s real, and it’s an exciting time for us.
A month ago, I shared this optimism with you, and I can confirm that the momentum is real. Ministries once plagued with ineffective leadership are now led by individuals and parties who understand that improved governance isn’t just a “nice-to-have” – it’s a necessity. Poor performance is no longer tolerated. This approach, which prioritises the interests of the people over those of the party, is beginning to influence even some ANC-run departments. They are starting to adopt this necessary but previously foreign style of leadership.
This shift is enhancing OUTA’s role in tactical engagement. While fighting corruption remains a core focus for us, we’re increasingly being called upon to engage more deeply – providing input, conducting research, offering evidence, and participating in think tanks and panel discussions. This is both exciting and rewarding, but it also presents new challenges. Our resources are being stretched, and we’re having to carefully prioritise and work smarter to keep pace.
Just a few weeks ago, we met with the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and it was a breath of fresh air. She did something none of her predecessors had done in the past 12 years: she listened. In our evaluation, the Department of Transport ranks among the most severely damaged ministries, Higher Education is also significantly affected. The department has seen eight ministers in 12 years, none of whom took meaningful action to address corruption or hold failing institutions accountable.
But with Creecy and her deputy, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, there’s hope. They understand the magnitude of the task ahead, and I think they know that they’ll need support and creative interventions to undo the damage accumulated over the years.
At OUTA, we’ve been working closely with whistleblowers and many courageous individuals within these departments. We’re not surprised by the mismanagement at organisations like SANRAL, where board interference and overreach have caused significant problems. We’re also aware of the leadership issues and ulterior motives that led to the decay at the Air Traffic & Navigation Services (ATNS). And we’ve been monitoring the grossly overpriced tenders for the Smart Driver’s License card, which we will challenge if not cancelled.
The Road Traffic Management Authority (RTIA) continues to fail spectacularly with its convoluted AARTO license point-demerit system. And don’t even get me started on the Road Accident Fund or PRASA – both have utterly failed in their mandated service to the public and consistently blamed others for their chaos.
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find updates on a range of projects we’re working on. At any given time, we have between 35 and 40 active initiatives. This week, our Water Community Action Network (WaterCAN) is busy promoting active citizenry by organising water quality testing across the country. This project is based on the belief that we can’t always leave essential work up to the government – sometimes, citizens must step up and lead.
In closing, I want to remind all OUTA supporters how much we value your contributions. We need each and every one of you, and we need you to bring others on board. By supporting OUTA, you are directly contributing to the improvement of our nation. You are the active citizens who are driving change, and we cherish that. Together, we have an immense amount of work to do.
Let’s do it!
Yours sincerely,
Wayne Duvenage