SAConstitution-web-eng.pdf (justice.gov.za)
The Constitution OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, 1996 As adopted on 8 May 1996 and
amended on 11 October 1996 by the Constitutional Assembly
CHAPTER 10 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Basic values and principles governing public administration 195.
(1) Public administration must be governed by the democratic values and principles enshrined in the
Constitution, including the following principles:
(a) A high standard of professional ethics must be promoted and maintained.
(b) Efficient, economic and effective use of resources must be promoted.
(c) Public administration must be development-oriented.
(d) Services must be provided impartially, fairly, equitably and without bias.
(e) People’s needs must be responded to, and the public must be encouraged to participate in
policy-making.
(f) Public administration must be accountable.
(g) Transparency must be fostered by providing the public with timely, accessible and accurate
information.
(h) Good human-resource management and career-development practices, to maximise human
potential, must be cultivated.
(i) Public administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with
employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness, and the
need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation.
(2) The above principles apply to—
(a) administration in every sphere of government;
(b) organs of state; and (c) public enterprises.
(3) National legislation must ensure the promotion of the values and principles listed in subsection
(1).
(4) The appointment in public administration of a number of persons on policy considerations is not
precluded, but national legislation must regulate these appointments in the public service.
(5) Legislation regulating public administration may differentiate between different sectors,
administrations or institutions.
(6) The nature and functions of different sectors, administrations or institutions of public
administration are relevant factors to be taken into account in legislation regulating public
administration.
The Constitution OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, 1996 As adopted on 8 May 1996 and
amended on 11 October 1996 by the Constitutional Assembly
CHAPTER 10 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Basic values and principles governing public administration 195.
(1) Public administration must be governed by the democratic values and principles enshrined in the
Constitution, including the following principles:
(a) A high standard of professional ethics must be promoted and maintained.
(b) Efficient, economic and effective use of resources must be promoted.
(c) Public administration must be development-oriented.
(d) Services must be provided impartially, fairly, equitably and without bias.
(e) People’s needs must be responded to, and the public must be encouraged to participate in
policy-making.
(f) Public administration must be accountable.
(g) Transparency must be fostered by providing the public with timely, accessible and accurate
information.
(h) Good human-resource management and career-development practices, to maximise human
potential, must be cultivated.
(i) Public administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with
employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness, and the
need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation.
(2) The above principles apply to—
(a) administration in every sphere of government;
(b) organs of state; and (c) public enterprises.
(3) National legislation must ensure the promotion of the values and principles listed in subsection
(1).
(4) The appointment in public administration of a number of persons on policy considerations is not
precluded, but national legislation must regulate these appointments in the public service.
(5) Legislation regulating public administration may differentiate between different sectors,
administrations or institutions.
(6) The nature and functions of different sectors, administrations or institutions of public
administration are relevant factors to be taken into account in legislation regulating public
administration.
