New Ways of Financing Development in Africa

Globalisation is today a reality that any country cannot avoid. As such, there is a need to fight and be on track. Coming from a workshop on ‘Innovative Sources for Financing Development’ hosted by South African NGOs Coalition in partnership with World Economic, Ecology and Development (WEED), I would like to reflect on what we need for bring changes in our so called ‘developing countries’.

In fact, the reality is that many of the Third World’s countries are desperately working for to develop themselves. Confronted by the lack of finances, they are unable to go ahead besides their efforts. Therefore the need of having bilateral and/or multilateral co-operations is necessary to this end. But, what is happening in reality is that these multilateral relationship and co-operation seem to be beneficial to the ‘developed countries’. Is there time for us to look for new alternatives that directly suit and respond our needs and interests?

Many African people believe that the black trade and colonization are the core sources of Africa’s underdevelopment. What is relatively true or false, according to one or another? But in my sense, it is important to share responsibility instead of blame western powers. In fact I believe that we have played big role to the underdevelopment of our continent. Therefore, there is no need, in my sense, to look that did this or that, but let focus on what to do in order to go ahead. Additionally, let look where we failed and find new strategies and mechanisms that will help us grow in term of development. What should we concretely need to do?

Traditionally speaking, most of countries are still financially depending on the Bretton Wood institutions in their national adjustment development programmes. This is what a traditional way through which our states are trying to be financially sustained in order to ‘fulfill’ government programmes. But the reality is showing that despite World Bank and International Monetary Fund’s debts and assistance many of our African countries are still not on the track of meeting the MDGs by 2015. Thus, what hope for the people of Africa? Why do not they create new development strategy?

Actually, there is a crucial need of new vision and innovative inspiration for development in our continent. It is more than necessary that our political leaders and our governments orient their programme of action towards peoples and for peoples. Time for demagogical speeches is over. Let now work for a better life of our peoples. Time for keeping begging must be over, because ‘by always begging we will remain eternal beggars and be considered like small kids’! Instead of being so, let rethink about our situation and then change our current development strategies for bright future of our societies. Do not await the solution to our development issues from our western partners and international institutions, let us look around us and create and/or initiate developmental projects that will enable and empower our peoples and societies.

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL INTEGRITY SYSTEMS

Corruption is one of the greatest challenges in and for our society and state in nowadays. We strongly believe that corruption does not have only serious negative consequences for the Country, government and people but is also the key and fundamental factor of state collapse. Fortunately this challenge can be cured and confronted. Combating corruption is however a societal and political discourse. Thus there is on the one hand the necessary to have vigilance and preventive measures and on the other hand the high sense of integrity to the managing and supervising agents in their responsibility to fight corruption.

Worldwide concern for combating corruption by improving the levels of governance and accountability has never been higher whether in public or in the private sector. This shows the clear link between corruption, good governance, transparence and the rule of law.

However, each country has its mechanisms to prevent corruption thereby restoring the integrity of public sector. There is generally a system of code of ethical behaviour. In case of South Africa, fighting corruption and achieving good governance are still challenges since 1994. Many anti- corruption initiatives have been put in place until the adoption of the Public Service Anti-Corruption Strategy (PSAS).

In fact, corruption concern in South Africa is crucial and needs particular attention for to materialize and fulfill the commitment of transformation and development of the country. South Africa has this strong political commitment to fight corruption, both in our political leadership and through collective civil mobilisation, range of legislation, an independent institutions such as Auditor-General, Public Protector and the Public Service Commission, a well-functioning criminal justice system, codes for conduct of Public Officials and codes that deal with breaches of conduct, the new Prevention of Corruption Act rectifies the shortcomings of the Corruption Act of 1992 (the Act is clear and explicit in its definitions and provides tools for investigation and prosecution as well as more severe penalties. It also provides for extra-territorial jurisdiction over offences, which is essential for compliance with international best practice and the practical issues of enterprises, which do business outside South Africa), corruption is still a challenge in the Democratic South Africa. And then why despite all above mentioned mechanisms?

The need to foster and sustain high levels of ethics in the public service has come into the spotlight with a global shift of focus. It is important to note that Integrity testing can have a role to play, and the assets and liabilities of officers at particular risk may need to be monitored. Though, to have integrity systems in place supported by good legislation and policy, effective implementation and enforcement of such legislation is a critical step in efforts to prevent and fight corruption. Furthermore, there is a huge need to enhance control of political parties private and public funds by regulating them and then ensuring accountability and transparency.

Therefore, depolitised and independent media, justice system together with vibrant and strong civil society have to play a great role by monitoring and fighting against corruption. But they need laws that guarantee their work and safety. Lastly, decent salaries for public sector official and officer, forces of order (Police Officer) and security, judiciary and civil service, is another crucial response to the fight against corruption. It is now time for us to be winners.

Eradication of Poverty's International Day: What is its impact?

Living in a very challenging world, where each and every day, peoples are standing up against corruption and social injustice for being core sources of States collapse, social inequality and poverty.

In 2000, world’s leaders agreed to end up with poverty; this ‘god’ news was seen as a possible new world. Unfortunately, the Millennium Development Goals continue to be unrealistic, as consequences of continual states mismanagement, civil war, human trafficking activities, terrorism, refugees, hunger (food shortages), poverty and etc (not only in Africa but also in other third world countries).

Therefore, we think it is more than important to stand up and act in order to bring positive changes to all above mentioned crises. Last October 17th, we were planning many actions with the purpose of pushing states decisions-makers and executives to work for a better world for all. Because we believe that tomorrow will be bright for our nations and peoples if ever there is a sense of humanity and responsibility for and in all. Thus, let be always hand in hand for fighting injustice, inequality and poverty in order to build our societies where freedom, peace, justice, food security, harmony, opportunities and so on will be guaranteed to all our brothers and sisters.