Professional ethical conduct in the South African public sector: a case of municipality

Abstract

Professional ethical conduct is a concern in South African Public Sector, particularly in local government. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Constitution) offer legislations which guide governance. As municipalities became an agent for the delivery of basic goods and services to local communities, Professional ethical conduct became a significant managerial tool for municipalities in ensuring good governance. The central objective of this research was to investigate the theoretical perspective on Professional ethical conduct, explore the research topic and its correlation with the provision of public goods and services in the municipality under review. The analysis this study dealt with the differential aspects in Public Administration as a scientific field and practice, and the core reason for this create grounds for understanding the differences, fundamental relations, how does the public sector operates and so forth. The analysis of this study revolved around the research subject: Professional ethical conduct in the public service sector with a particular interest in the CJMM. Data were collected from academic research documents and government-endorsed document, document analysis was used (i.e., Auditor General of South Africa, CJMM Integrated Annual Reports and Public Service Commission of South Africa). The key findings revealed how in the CJMM there is a lack of consequence management, officials are not apolitical, competent staff members should be appointed, and that procurement and tendering processes should consider and prioritise bidders with effective and efficient experience, public accountability must be promoted and how findings for poor Professional ethical conduct are disregarded.