Secretary, Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
PO Box 15
Cape Town 8000

Dear Mr Masixole Zibeko,

I write in relation to public service ethics and performance, and to share insights from my recent book MOTHEMA: The Foundation Beyond Truth. This work explores how African philosophies of governance—especially those rooted in customary law and intergenerational ethics—can strengthen service delivery, leadership, and institutional trust.

MOTHEMA identifies the erosion of cultural governance principles as a contributing factor to systemic dysfunction. I ask that the Committee:

Review public administration frameworks for their engagement with indigenous ethics.

Explore pilot models where cultural stewardship and elder councils participate in local accountability.

Investigate how moral education, mentorship, and communal labour (as discussed in Chapters 3, 7, and 9) can enhance performance and restore public confidence.


Should the Committee be willing, I can submit a full manuscript and offer an oral presentation.

Warm regards,

Pinel Motswagole