If someone asked you about the ward number you reside in or the name of your ward councillor, could you answer without a quick Google search? In 2016, I volunteered as an Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) observer under the SAICA banner, witnessing firsthand the importance of community involvement in the electoral process. With over
52 600 registered CAs as of the end of 2023, we hold influence beyond boardrooms, often steering key positions like CEO and CFO of key institutions.
Refilwe Matenche President & Founder: African Women’s Movement (AWM)
The corporate-government juxtaposition
Managing a nation parallels running a company. Picture the President as the CEO, the parliament as a board, and taxpayers as majority shareholders only by virtue of their financial contribution to the fiscus. Majority shareholders often don’t withhold concerns when executives falter. Do we, as taxpayers, exercise the same vigilance?
In corporate, we meticulously navigate complexities − similar skills are crucial in the democratic arena. Consider the rigorous recruitment and appointment processes for boards of credible companies. More often than not, capable and competent individuals get appointed. To ensure quality representation, have you ever evaluated if our parliamentary recruitment and appointment processes ensure capable and competent individuals make the cut? Are our representatives truly accountable, independent, and broadly aligned with public interests? We should care as taxpayers, as their salaries are funded by our labour.
A hesitant ‘no’ to the opening question is not uncommon. Many taxpayers limit engagement to periodic voting. Whether aware or not, CAs and many other professionals are perceived as leaders in our society by qualification. That is why it is critical, especially for these individuals, to engage actively in the democratic process.
Call to action
Recognise your power as a CA. Aspire to expand beyond periodic voting by taking an active stance for good governance, ethical leadership, and risk management.
As a starting point, know your ward number, know your ward councillor, and actively engage with your local community issues. Another way to be proactive is by sharing your knowledge − empowering less empowered communities you care about with information. This may sound insignificant, but knowledge sharing, especially in social settings with those less knowledgeable, can go a long way in promoting progressive perspectives required to effect tangible positive change. Additionally, consider collaborating with civic organisations of your choice that are dedicated to good governance at a local, provincial, or national level. Moreover, SAICA has a number of initiatives designed to empower communities in this regard; consider volunteering for these programmes like the one I mentioned earlier. Our collective influence is immense.
Calling on CAs to lead the way in active citizenship
As we stand on the brink of the 2024 South African elections, chartered accountants are urged to ponder not just our roles as corporate leaders but as active contributors to our nation’s success and, inadvertently, its future.
By leveraging knowledge beyond corporate, actively participating in governance, and challenging the status quo, we enhance our contribution to a more accountable, transparent and prosperous South Africa. As leaders, we hold influence and should be agents and custodians of democracy throughout, not just during elections. Shareholders act when the executive falters − and so should we as active citizens.
