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26 October 2018 Photo Stephen Collett
Parks Tau at JN Boshoff lecture, believes that the state should assume role as leader
Parks Tau, who delivered this year’s JN Boshoff lecture, believes that the state should assume its rightful role as leader of all citizens.

The state entered into a covenant with society. The state is therefore obliged to provide essential services to the people. Holding into account the public sector is the White Paper on Local Government which was implemented at the birth of democracy. Now that the post-apartheid period has matured, leaders are unpacking the loaded subject of public service.

In his capacity as the South African Local Government Association president, Parks Tau delivered the 2018 JN Boshoff Memorial Lecture. He shared his views on: ‘What is the significance of the Public Service in nation-building within a democracy?’ 

The lecture was hosted by the Department of Public Administration and Management, at the University of the Free State’s Bloemfontein Campus on Wednesday 17 October 2018. Tau reiterated that the founding principles of social development and economic growth, integration, empowerment, and learning should be treated as a commitment by the government to the citizens of South Africa.

Constitutional rights reserved

In addition to communities being entitled to basic services such as the provision of water, sanitation, and safety, it is necessary to “move beyond merely stating the principle of Batho Pele. It requires of us to appreciate the role of the state in promoting equity and development in all communities”, Tau said.

Rights coupled with responsibilities 

Citizens and communities are responsible for safeguarding public property and making certain public officials are held accountable. “This covenant therefore goes both ways. It is about a relationship of mutual interest and benefit, and one that promotes both community and nationhood,” said the former Executive Mayor of the city of Johannesburg.

Tau stated that much work needed to be done through effective policies, legislation and investments to return the country to the levels of investor confidence that our national economy enjoyed during its highest rating from Moody’s in the 2008/9 financial year. This would ensure that the state assumed its rightful role as leader and organiser of different stakeholders and “takes its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations”, as enshrined in the constitution.

News Archive

‘This university gives me hope’
2013-10-02

 
4 October 2013
Photo: Stephen Collett

“This is a university that gives me hope. It has a willingness and a capacity to care,” Brand Pretorius said at a farewell function at the UFS.

He served the university as honorary professor in the Department of Business Management since 1991 and delivered the Brand Pretorius lecture for the past two decades. His recent lecture dealt with the topic “Guidelines for sustainable personal success in business – lessons I learnt”.

He retired as CEO of McCarthy and as an executive director of the Bidvest Group on 1 March 2011. Currently he serves as a non-executive director on the boards of the Barclays Africa Group, Reunert, RGT Smart, Tata Africa Holdings and Tongaat Hulett. He is the non-executive chairman of Italtile Limited.

Pretorius said at the farewell function the UFS is still a source of inspiration and pride. The leadership has a lot of courage and commitment and embraced change. “They embraced the fact that we are living in a different world.

“The vision of the UFS is inspirational. It wants to be recognised for academic and research excellence. The university became a pioneer in reconciliation in a very difficult world. Change comes with pain, and the UFS dealt with it in a worthy manner.

“I am proud of this institution because it still strives for high standards, the right principles and values and it has respect for all people.”

Pretorius said the university’s heart is in the right place. “It is a beacon of hope of what the rainbow nation will be in South Africa one day. Reconciliation is a sign that this is happening.”

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