PUB2614
OCT/NOV
PORTFOLIO 2026
UNIQUE NO:
DUE DATE: 20TH OCT/NOV
,PUB2614 October/November 2026
PORTFOLIO ANSWERS
QUESTION 1
1.1 Statutory provisions of the Code of Conduct for municipal officials in
Schedule 2 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000
The Code of Conduct for Municipal Staff Members, contained in Schedule 2 of the
Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, establishes standards of
ethical and professional behaviour for municipal officials. Its purpose is to ensure that
municipal employees perform their duties honestly, impartially, efficiently and in the
public interest. The Code also seeks to prevent corruption, conflicts of interest and the
misuse of municipal resources.
1. Municipal staff members must serve the public interest
Municipal officials must perform their duties in the interests of the municipality and its
community. They should not use their positions to advance their personal interests or
those of friends and relatives.
Practical example: A municipal official responsible for allocating trading stalls should
allocate them according to approved municipal criteria rather than giving stalls to
relatives or friends. Giving preferential treatment would violate the principle of serving
the public fairly.
2. Staff members must perform their duties efficiently and effectively
Officials are required to perform their responsibilities diligently and professionally. They
should use their knowledge and skills to provide effective services to residents.
, Example: A municipal official responsible for processing applications for municipal
services should deal with applications promptly rather than deliberately delaying them
because of personal disagreements with applicants.
3. Staff members must be honest and impartial
The Code requires officials to act honestly and without bias when performing municipal
functions. Decisions must be based on legitimate administrative considerations rather
than personal relationships or financial interests.
Example: If an official participates in the evaluation of tenders, the official should
assess all bidders according to the approved procurement criteria. Choosing a company
because the owner is a friend would constitute improper conduct.
4. Staff members may not use their positions for personal gain
A municipal employee may not use his or her official position to obtain private benefits.
The authority attached to public office must be used for legitimate municipal purposes.
Example: A building-control official cannot demand money from a resident in exchange
for approving building plans more quickly. Such conduct would constitute an abuse of
public office and could also amount to corruption.
5. Staff members must protect confidential information
Municipal officials may have access to confidential information concerning residents,
businesses, tenders, investigations and municipal operations. Such information must
not be disclosed improperly.
Example: An official involved in a tender process should not provide a preferred
contractor with confidential information about competing bids before the tender closes.
6. Staff members must disclose financial and other interests
OCT/NOV
PORTFOLIO 2026
UNIQUE NO:
DUE DATE: 20TH OCT/NOV
,PUB2614 October/November 2026
PORTFOLIO ANSWERS
QUESTION 1
1.1 Statutory provisions of the Code of Conduct for municipal officials in
Schedule 2 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000
The Code of Conduct for Municipal Staff Members, contained in Schedule 2 of the
Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, establishes standards of
ethical and professional behaviour for municipal officials. Its purpose is to ensure that
municipal employees perform their duties honestly, impartially, efficiently and in the
public interest. The Code also seeks to prevent corruption, conflicts of interest and the
misuse of municipal resources.
1. Municipal staff members must serve the public interest
Municipal officials must perform their duties in the interests of the municipality and its
community. They should not use their positions to advance their personal interests or
those of friends and relatives.
Practical example: A municipal official responsible for allocating trading stalls should
allocate them according to approved municipal criteria rather than giving stalls to
relatives or friends. Giving preferential treatment would violate the principle of serving
the public fairly.
2. Staff members must perform their duties efficiently and effectively
Officials are required to perform their responsibilities diligently and professionally. They
should use their knowledge and skills to provide effective services to residents.
, Example: A municipal official responsible for processing applications for municipal
services should deal with applications promptly rather than deliberately delaying them
because of personal disagreements with applicants.
3. Staff members must be honest and impartial
The Code requires officials to act honestly and without bias when performing municipal
functions. Decisions must be based on legitimate administrative considerations rather
than personal relationships or financial interests.
Example: If an official participates in the evaluation of tenders, the official should
assess all bidders according to the approved procurement criteria. Choosing a company
because the owner is a friend would constitute improper conduct.
4. Staff members may not use their positions for personal gain
A municipal employee may not use his or her official position to obtain private benefits.
The authority attached to public office must be used for legitimate municipal purposes.
Example: A building-control official cannot demand money from a resident in exchange
for approving building plans more quickly. Such conduct would constitute an abuse of
public office and could also amount to corruption.
5. Staff members must protect confidential information
Municipal officials may have access to confidential information concerning residents,
businesses, tenders, investigations and municipal operations. Such information must
not be disclosed improperly.
Example: An official involved in a tender process should not provide a preferred
contractor with confidential information about competing bids before the tender closes.
6. Staff members must disclose financial and other interests
