"In reality the workings of your governing system are opaque and covert, while hiding in the chattering spotlight of an ostensible transparency, even though the ultimate objective is clear"

Breyten Breytenbach's quote provides an important assessment of governmental systems, highlighting the paradox in between their obvious openness and their underlying opacity. The declaration recommends that while governments often provide themselves as transparent and responsible to the general public, the true functions and decisions are often shrouded in secrecy and conducted away from public analysis.

The expression "nontransparent and covert" shows that the operations of these systems are not quickly noticeable or understood by the basic populace. There is an intrinsic intricacy and purposeful concealment of procedures that might possibly weaken the public's trust and understanding of governance. This opacity contrasts sharply with the idea of transparency, where actions and choices are open and available for public oversight.

Breytenbach uses the term "chattering spotlight" to describe how governments might participate in public discourse and show an exterior of openness. This carries out a dual function: it serves to pacify the public by producing the illusion of openness, while at the same time sidetracking them from the private activities occurring below the surface area. The "chattering" suggests an environment filled with discussion and sound, however without substantive revelation or clarity.

Despite this apparent contradiction between secrecy and openness, Breytenbach asserts that "the ultimate objective is clear". This recommends that, despite the opaqueness and concealed nature of their operations, the primary objectives of governmental systems remain recognizable. The implication is that those in power have a defined program or set of goals assisting their actions, even if the techniques to attain these ends are concealed from public view.

In essence, Breytenbach's quote is a critique of how governments can control looks to maintain control and push forward predetermined objectives, all while projecting an image of openness and responsibility. It requires a more discerning public that can see beyond the superficial display screens of openness to understand the true motives and systems at play.