JOHANNESBURG, July 10 (Xinhua) -- The emphasis of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on self-reform and people-centered development offers valuable experience for African countries seeking to strengthen governance and enhance public trust, a South African political analyst has said.
"The notion of self-reform is an important one for the CPC," Sithembiso Bhengu, director of the Chris Hani Institute, told Xinhua in a recent interview. In his view, self-reform emphasizes self-discipline among Party members and officials and has been central to improving governance and advancing Chinese modernization.
"You must be able to govern yourself to be trusted to govern others," he said.
Bhengu, also a senior research fellow with the Sociology Department at the University of Johannesburg, said that the CPC's determination to combat corruption and curb extravagance has helped bolster public trust.
"Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency alienate the public and erode public trust," he said, adding that the essence of politics is public trust.
The analyst cited the continued implementation of the CPC Central Committee's eight-point decision on improving Party and government conduct as an example of the party's commitment to clean governance and frugality.
"When people see that public representatives are working for them rather than for themselves, they begin to believe in the political system and develop trust in it," he said.
He also highlighted the significance of people-centered development in China, which is reflected in concrete and measurable outcomes rather than in abstract slogans.
It means reducing poverty, improving housing, developing transportation and protecting the environment for future generations, among other things, he added.
"If you go there (China), you can clearly see the changes that are taking place and the improvements in people's lives, the elimination of (absolute) poverty and the creation of safer spaces for people to live," said the analyst.
The CPC's determination to strictly address wrongdoing within its own ranks helps ensure that the Party remains committed to people-centered development, he added.
The analyst said that many African countries gained independence through national liberation movements, but some of those movements later struggled to evolve into effective ruling parties, partly because they failed to adapt to changing realities.
By contrast, he said, the CPC has consistently assessed its circumstances and adjusted its policies to remain dynamic and responsive.
Bhengu noted that every stage of China's development since 1949 has provided valuable experience for Africa.
"The CPC's consistent ability to accurately assess where it is and what its challenges are enables it to implement adaptive measures that help it improve and become better," the analyst said. ■