Acting Public Protector, Adv Kholeka Gcaleka says accountability is the pillar of democracy. Gcaleka was speaking at the Women strengthening Democracy and Accountability seminar at Freedom Park in Pretoria.
The poem by Khuleka speaks of the struggles women faced during the apartheid era. Freedom Park CEO Jane Mufumadi says in a post-democratic South Africa, there are still challenges.
“Since the dawn of democracy, women still go through multiple layers of oppression, “said Mufamadi.
HR executive Nosi Mzamo says women are still fighting for equality.
‘There are still major issues in the private sector, and the fight for equal pay continues. So how do we make sure there is equality in the workplace,” she said.
Her sentiments have been echoed by acting Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka.
“What inclusivity of women in a democracy means, is better social justice for women, better social-economic conditions for women who form more than half the population in this country?
And it means equality for the majority,” said Gcaleka.
Gcaleka emphasised that those in power need to be held accountable. She says a leader who cannot be entrusted to be held accountable, cannot be entrusted with leading others.
“Our struggle is corruption; our struggle is lack of ethics and integrity. We cannot speak of democracy if we cannot speak of good governance, if we do not speak of transparency, if we cannot hold those we have entrusted with the power to be accountable, to lead this country with integrity, it means we are mishandling this baton that has been given to us, “she said.
She says although there are good policies in place, there is no implementation and it’s up to those that hold leadership positions to enforce change.
