Dear Editor,
A columnist recently expressed concern about persons in authority and requested that I do an evaluation of their fitness. I believe that all persons in senior positions of leadership, whether in government service or in the private sector, need to be fit for exercising good judgment. Persons who hold senior positions on the bench and holders of offices of power, require regular health checks including psychometric evaluation for fitness for appointment and for continuing in office.
Periodic health assessment is advisable and should include our political leaders. It is unfortunate and sad that our President continues to courageously function in office despite undergoing medical treatment for a serious illness. A period of rest is important for recovery especially for medical management with chemotherapy. Good health is critical to good judgment. Difficult decisions, for example, the removal of ministers whose work may be compromised by unethical practice, need to be implemented and can only be done when one is fit and strong enough to make those decisions.
When there is a diluted response by leadership, the populace is left to feel that abuse of power is the order of the day. Leadership must send a message that corruption at any level will not be tolerated. Corrective action should be taken from the recommendations of the commissions of accountability including the Integrity Commission. Integrity and accountability are critical to our stability as a nation.
Yours faithfully,
Dr Davendra Sharma
Professor of Behaviour Sciences
