Business must advance human rights, says Nhleko

DURBAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the Minister of Police, Nkosinathi Nhleko, at its first Power Connection of 2017 last Wednesday.

The Minister engaged the business community on the topics of how business can play an integral part in fostering an ethical, healthy and social cohesive society, and whether business is doing enough to advance a culture of human rights through ethical conduct.

In his speech, Nhleko questioned whether ethics and business always made a happy marriage and how ethical it was to dream about the realisation of a South African dream.

“I am excited to learn that before the end of the year, this reputable Chamber will be launching its Code of Ethics. I fully endorse such a move and hope it succeeds. It is encouraging to see that you are on a quest for improved ethical conduct in your ranks, especially as you pursue your dreams in the world of commerce. I firmly believe that when you genuinely endeavour to adhere to your code of ethics and live by it as if for dear life, this will markedly benefit the local business sector and the people it serves,” he said.

Nhleko said such a code may, in the medium to long-term, also foster the moral regeneration of broader society. He said it dould also help inculcate an ethos of fair, humane and just economics.

“An economics of a living wage, one that protects the environment, saves scarce natural resources, is humane and socially responsible. Even business is called upon to care. When we voluntarily enter into a social compact, we get closer and closer to the realisation of that elusive South African Dream. The dream of appreciating a common destiny and a common belonging, animated the likes of Chief Albert Luthuli, Bram Fischer, Ahmed Kathrada, Walter Sisulu, O R Tambo, Dorothy Nyembe and Fatima Meer among others. A dream of one nation united in diversity as articulated in the preamble to our Constitution,” he said.

He said Pope John Paul the Second was reported as saying business must ignore injustice, poverty and inequality, at its own peril and that Government must keep its promises and must be prudent and courageous enough to admit mistakes.

“In a nutshell, the Pope John Paul the Second, says we must not wallow in self-pity and think even unethical means justify the end. No matter the predicaments we face, we must dare to dream. In the SAPS we are also doing our best to realise a human-rights-centred and truly ethical policing dispensation in South Africa. In line with our ‘back to basics’ approach, the SAPS seeks to do right all the time. In short – to be ethical,” he said.

He said in line with the Farlam Commission Recommendations, SAPS had beefed up its public order policing training for new entrants to help enter the police service.

“We are also pleased that despite being dubbed the striking capital of the world, SAPS members are increasingly exercising maximum restraint even in volatile situations. It is my belief that when we all behave ethically, we are helping nurture that elusive South African dream. We must endeavour to act right always,” he said.