activities and their consequences / results. Accountability therefore in very simple terms means “to accept personal ownership for the results or consequences of one’s actions or activities.” Personal ownership, however, always brings with it gains or losses. In this context it can then be said that accountability includes the potential for personal gain and the risk of personal loss.

Let us for a moment consider the meaning of personal ownership. When linking accountability to personal ownership by stating that accepting accountability means ‘taking personal ownership,’ there is

a real danger of it merely becoming an expression or catch phrase without paying attention what it really means.

Ownership of assets brings the possibility of personal gains (income from letting a property, dividends from owning shares, etc.) as well as the risk of personal loss. A fire destroying your property or your car damaged in accident is common examples of personal loss. If one is serious about protecting one’s personal assets you will do whatever is reasonable and necessary to protect it.

You will ensure that your tenant pays rent as agreed and care well for your

Louis Botha Avenue, Alexandra; training young people from the township to be traffic wardens © Photo: Chris Kirchoff and www.MediaClubSouthAfrica.com