The end of the year is about slowing down and relaxing, a time to travel to villages, farms and holiday homes. Most people will use their holidays to relax and not think about the challenges our country faces - although details of the extent of state capture will be difficult to avoid during conversations.
But perhaps, as we reflect on our journey through the year, it would be appropriate to try to understand the thinking of those involved in acts of corruption.
Recent scandals involving big businesses reminded the public that corruption is a challenge that cuts across all sectors. It would be interesting to establish what goes through the minds of persons who plan acts of corruption. Do thoughts of the probability of getting caught enter their minds?
In cases involving big businesses, people may say they were confronted with unimaginable pressure from their bosses to secure deals. But where was the courage to stand their ground and refuse any involvement in unethical conduct?
I fail to comprehend the act and the "steps" that eventually lead to the actual act of unethical behaviour. How do the nefarious enjoy their expensive lives - do they purchase expensive holiday homes, vacations and luxury vehicles with the proceeds of crime? What emotions do the corrupters feel when they see abandoned projects and are aware that the intended funds had been diverted to themselves?
In certain instances, there are allegations that hitmen are hired to silence whistleblowers. I wonder what goes through the minds of the corrupt when they become aware that the potential whistleblower has been murdered? Do they celebrate and toast the deceitful completion of the act?
It is difficult to comprehend how a corrupt person involved in plotting the assassination of a colleague can then read the eulogy and comfort the family during the memorial service and funeral. How brazen is a person to stand up in front of everyone, including the widow or widower and kids, cry pretentiously and commit to finding the perpetrators when they are aware deep inside that they are responsible for their colleague's demise?
It would be noteworthy to comprehend the feelings of those who are publicly arrested, named and shamed for their unethical acts. It can be assumed that it is quite embarrassing for a family to be aware that their high life was merely temporary and millions of the poorest of the poor have been denied basic services to pay for it.
As we share the festive season with family, let us promote compassion and concern towards our fellow man and the deserving. Families seem to have "outsourced" their role of instilling ethical values to the government and other stakeholders - but they are the foundation of building an ethical society.
The promotion of ethical values within families has the potential to eliminate unethical conduct within the broader society. The festive season provides all with a perfect opportunity to remind their friends, families and even strangers that corruption is detrimental to the developmental goals of society.
More important, families should remind one another that African tradition underscores a connection with society, and active and emotional engagement with the community. A danger to one is a danger to all and corruption is a betrayal of self and the society. The concept of ubuntu (humanity - doing to others as you would want them to do to you) is the fundamental pillar in eradicating corruption and promoting the ethics of caring, honesty and trust.
Corruption is castigated in all religious beliefs. As we celebrate one of the prominent religious holidays on our calendar we should ponder why we have high levels of corruption in a highly religious society such as SA.
The religious sector has a part to play in ensuring an ethical society. Its role is to sensitise its members and remind them corruption is reprimanded in their beliefs. Perhaps there should be dedicated sessions to pray for all corrupt people.
• Mphendu works for the office of the premier of Gauteng. He writes in his personal capacity..