UKZN Academic Shares Insights on Good Governance at International Conference

BY: .

School of Management, Information Technology and Governance academic, Professor Purshottama Reddy, spoke on good governance at the Third Democracy Conference: “Good Governance in Times of Crisis: Comparative Perspectives” hosted by the State of Florida Legislature and the Florida International University in Miami.

The Conference created a platform for governors, legislators and leaders of national and regional governments as well as interested business leaders and academics to share ideas, knowledge, experiences and perspectives on strengthening good governance internationally.

Discussing perspectives on good governance with 30 civil society leaders from Cuba, Reddy pointed out that good governance was a major challenge in Africa, and this had manifested itself in a continental crisis well documented over the years.

‘Bad governance has generally been a feature of the continent’s political system and a key question that arises is what went wrong and how can this issue be addressed?’ said Reddy.

He said South Africa was currently experiencing some of the continental challenges and could not be divorced from the crisis.

‘The current agitation for democratic reform and good governance by the African populace has yielded some results. However, despite this clarion call, the good governance and democracy project is not on a firm footing on the continent.’

Reddy also shared his insights on Cuba, reminding that country’s delegation that in spite of having a Communist government, the quality of public education and health in their country was good and should be built on in the post-communist era. Cuba’s close proximity to the United States of America provided an ideal opportunity for the promotion and reinforcement of good governance principles and best practices.

Thandiwe Jumo