Assignment 2 Semester 2 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 18 September 2025
INTRODUCTION
Ethical conduct in public administration is a cornerstone for good governance,
accountability, and service delivery. In South Africa, codes of conduct and statutory
frameworks have been introduced to guide public officials in maintaining integrity. Scholars
such as Clapper and Robson give important perspectives on how codes of conduct can
shape ethical behaviour in the public service. At the same time, national statutes and
policies provide practical tools to reinforce values of transparency, fairness, and
accountability across all levels of government. This essay will firstly compare the arguments
of Clapper and Robson on directional and aspirational codes of conduct. Secondly, it will
identify and describe five key statutes and policies that aim to strengthen ethical conduct in
South African public administration.
1. DIRECTIONAL AND ASPIRATIONAL CODES OF CONDUCT
Clapper (2014: 9–12) sees ethics as central to the identity of public officials, not as a
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INTRODUCTION
Ethical conduct in public administration is a cornerstone for good governance,
accountability, and service delivery. In South Africa, codes of conduct and statutory
frameworks have been introduced to guide public officials in maintaining integrity.
Scholars such as Clapper and Robson give important perspectives on how codes of
conduct can shape ethical behaviour in the public service. At the same time, national
statutes and policies provide practical tools to reinforce values of transparency,
fairness, and accountability across all levels of government. This essay will firstly
compare the arguments of Clapper and Robson on directional and aspirational
codes of conduct. Secondly, it will identify and describe five key statutes and policies
that aim to strengthen ethical conduct in South African public administration.
1. DIRECTIONAL AND ASPIRATIONAL CODES OF CONDUCT
Clapper (2014: 9–12) sees ethics as central to the identity of public officials, not as a
separate activity but as part of everything they do. He highlights the tension between
personal morality, professional ethics, and formal codes of conduct. Clapper argues
that directional and aspirational codes of conduct should not only restrict behaviour
but guide and inspire officials towards virtuous service. He warns that when codes
are too rigid, they can limit discretion and reduce moral responsibility. In his view,
codes should function as instruments that align personal morality with professional
standards, steering officials toward decisions that benefit the public interest
(Wessels, Pauw & Thani 2014).
Robson (2014: 23–24) takes a more practical approach, stressing that codes of
conduct are necessary tools to clarify expectations in daily practice. He explains that
public administrators need clear guidance because they exercise significant power
and are responsible for decisions that affect citizens directly. According to Robson,
codes serve as boundaries for acceptable behaviour, offering standards that the
public and colleagues can rely on. However, he also warns that codes should not be
overly general or reduced to symbolic statements; they must be formulated carefully,
supported by training, and applied consistently. For Robson, codes are part of a