Thank you very much, hon Speaker. Hon Rev Meshoe, at the Regenesys graduation ceremony to which you refer, I was addressing young management and leadership graduates. I encouraged them, as the leaders of tomorrow, to always engage in good governance practice, whether they are located in the private or public sectors.
I further conveyed that for any society to thrive, especially for the benefit of the poor, it has to have in place moderating mechanisms, plus checks and balances, because the system by its nature is imperfect. As the member should be aware, there are a number of initiatives and instruments, like the King Code, that promote ethical dealings by the business sector. Unless gaps are identified in these measures, among others, there is no need for further codes.
As for codes of ethics for politics, as the hon member is aware, there is the Executive Members' Ethics Act, which was passed by this House; the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament, which is implemented by the Joint Ethics Committee of Parliament; as well as codes for Members of Provincial Legislatures and municipal councils. Unless otherwise determined by Parliament, there is no need for new codes.
However, hon member, let me reiterate that it is not so much the content of the existing codes - whether they be in the business or political spheres - but rather the adherence to and enforcement of these codes that is important. Thank you. [Applause.]