We need leaders who are worthy of a nation's trust

South Africa is in need of trust, and the more we get, the better. We need our public representatives to be above doubt and trusted with running our public sector.

We need politicians we can trust to act for the good of this country.

But trust is in short supply.

President Jacob Zuma has failed to instil trust and confidence in his leadership. The corruption allegations that hang around his neck tell of a leader who is on the defensive. Because of these and other allegations that surround Zuma, his leadership is doubted and questioned.

Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe has said the ruling party will review its performance following a decline in support in the last general elections.

The ANC won the fifth democratic elections in May with a reduced majority of 62.15%, down from 65.9% of the vote in 2009.

The decline in support for the ANC is in part because of a lack of trust and the perception that its leaders are not accountable to anyone but their factions within the party.

If a nation does not trust its leaders, it pulls in different directions, and government decisions and projects are always viewed with suspicion.

While Radebe has confidence in the ANC reinventing itself, the ruling party should do more than just talk. Wrongdoings should be punished and not swept aside because of internal politics.

For this nation to regain its trust in government leadership, a new road will have to be travelled. The needs of this country should supersede those of individuals.

We fully agree with Minister of Small Business Development Lindiwe Zulu that our problems have to be understood in context.

South Africa is on the move and its require different leadership skills.

For this nation to trust again, politicians must stop thinking we are a nation of fools who unthinkingly accept all that happens.