Ethics in South African public administration: a critical review

Commissions, for example, Zondo and Mokgoro, have revealed that public administration in South Africa is in a dilemma, because unethical and corrupt acts manifests among public office bearers. This scourge impedes government departments capacity to render public services effectively and efficiently. South African public administration is confronted by multiple obstacles such as the lack of transparency, accountability and efficiency. Government public procurement systems have become a breeding ground for corruption and maladministration. This article argues that a central neglected factor is failure to adhere to sound ethical conduct in the execution of public duties despite numerous government training and development initiatives in this regard in the public sector. Arguably, the new dispensation under the current leadership of President Ramaphosa needs to overhaul the functioning of public organisation, implement sound whistle blowing mechanisms to inhibit corruption and encourage public managers to observe good ethical conduct when serving the public. The implications of this study, therefore, accentuate good principles of governance which includes transparency, accountability and ethics, which are the key determinants for effective public service delivery.