CODE OF ETHICS IN THE

PUBLIC SERVICE

OVERVIEW
i. OBJECTIVES
ii. INTRODUCTION
iii. WHAT IS CODE OF ETHICS
iv. UNACCEPTABLE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES IN
THE PUBLIC SERVICE
v. CONCLUSION/SUMMARY
OBJECTIVES
i. To be able to explain the
expectations of professional and
ethical conduct as outlined in the
Code of Ethics,

ii. To be able to differentiate between

the ethical and unethical/corrupt
practices.
INTRODUCTION
National Public Service is created as a
State Service by the Constitution to
implement policies, programs and
plans of the government of the day.

Oath/Affirmation of Loyalty to the State

and Executive Government .
It emphasizes that officers shall serve
the State by:
Introduction Cont…
Upholding the Laws of the Country,

Abiding by the Code of Business Ethics

and Conduct and the General Orders
including the Rules of Conduct,

Implementing the Policies and Plans of

both national and provincial governments
“Without Fear or Favour”
Introduction cont….
Without Fear – meaning that an officer must
be fearless of criticism, and of adverse
repercussions from anybody in advising the
government and in administering regulations
in the interest of the State.

Without Favour – meaning that an officer

must perform his/her duties for the state
without seeking additional rewards above
his/her normal.
Introduction Cont…
It is important to remember that neither
a Minister nor a Governor is
empowered by Law to direct their
Departments/Administrations in
administrative matters or direct officers
in performance of their duties
(Principle of Separation of Powers)
WHAT IS CODE OF ETHICS
CODE - Code, is a system, policy, set
of Laws, rules or regulations which you
should follow.

ETHICS - Ethics, are moral principles

and values or personal values you draw
on when making a decision. Ethical
judgments are about what we ought to
do.
Important Features of PS Code of Ethics

The Public Service Code of Ethics:

Was designed to assist Public Servants in the
National Depts. and Prov. Administrations to
combat corruption.

It has been built upon values and principles

enshrined in the Constitution and reflects good
conduct provisions contained in other legislations.

Provides guidance for officers unaware of what

constitutes unethical or corrupt conduct.
Cont…..
Enables each officer to understand that bribery
and misappropriation of funds, nepotism, favours
to relatives, friends and political associations,
leaking or misusing govt information, unauthorized
political activities, abuse of power and position are
crimes which are undertaken at the expense of the
people and the country.

It requires that any officer who persists with

irresponsible and uncaring work attitudes and
habits and contributes to corruption will be
removed from office through the Disciplinary
Process.
Purpose of the Code
The purpose of the Code is to educate and assist
officers at all levels in the National Depts. and
Prov. Administrations to understand what is
acceptable and what is unacceptable or corrupt
behaviour.

National Resources, State Information and Public

Funds and Assets must not be used by officers for
unlawful purposes or for personal gain at the
expense of the people.

The State and the National Public Service, through

the Public Services (Mgt) Act and the Code require
that;
Cont…
“An officer shall not seek to obtain from any person, any
property or benefit or payment over his/her official
duties”
“An officer shall not give or promise to give any person,
any property, benefit, payment or favour on account
done or not done fulfilling his/her official duties”

Breach of the code may also be used as evidence

against an officer by the Police authority under the
Criminal Code Act, resulting in court proceedings.

Assists officers to recognize conflict of interest

situations and corrupt practices and have the
moral strength to resist temptation and reject
monetary bribes and other inducements of all
kinds to commit corrupt practices
Ethical Principles of Acceptable Business
Conduct.
Giving loyal service to the state without seeking
personal favours over and above the interest of the
state
Upholding the laws, regulations, and General
Orders which apply to duties and conduct.
Strive to achieve excellence in service to the public
service and in so doing avoid conflict of interest,
deception, fraud and all other forms of corrupt
behaviour for selfish gain, and be open, and
transparent in all dealings.
Keeping separate political views and political
associations from public service duties.
Dealing honestly with state clients and declaring all
private interest and reject temptation of self interest
Cont..
It is important to read the PS Code of
ethics inline with the Rules of Conduct
in GO 15.38 to 15.58, and the other
related provisions in General Order 20
UNACCEPTABLE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES IN THE
PUBLIC SERVICE
The business of Public Service and other state
services is to be free of political manipulation of
any kind. Officer must serve the state and the
executive govt of the day in implementing policies
plans and laws without political interference, and
regardless of their own political view-points.

Political candidates and their supporters are not

permitted to utilize the manpower, funds, or assets
of the Public Service in their election campaigns.
Officers are not permitted to campaign for or
commit public service time or to utilize funds,
assets, facilities of the state in any way to lend
support to any political parties and their
candidates.
Conclusion/Summary
Public Service Code of Ethics governs the
way we do business as Public Servants.

It emphasizes the importance of

understanding the processes and
procedures, General Orders and Acts which
we administer in carrying out our duties as
Public Servants.

It discourages Public servants in taking part

in any political activities that interferes with
the Public Service Business
Cont…
It is also advocates the use of discipline or
even dismissal from the public service if we
are in breach of the Code of Ethics or indulge
in corrupt practices.