Provides the mandate for the promotion and maintenance of a high standard of professional ethics

On this page, we help students to answer the following question: “Which document or authority provides the mandate for the promotion and maintenance of a high standard of professional ethics in South Africa?” This topic is a vital part of the Life Orientation Grade 12 curriculum, specifically within the “Democracy and Human Rights” and “Responsibility of the State” modules.

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Quick Answer

The Mandate for Professional Ethics:

• The Source: Section 195 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
• The Requirement: It mandates that public administration must be governed by democratic values and principles, including a high standard of professional ethics.
• The Responsibility: Thismandateensures that all public officials act with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

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Professional Ethics and the Constitution

In the South African legal and professional framework, the promotion of ethics is not just a suggestion but a constitutional requirement. Understanding who provides this mandate is essential for learners exploring careers in the public sector or studying the impact of corrupt practices on society.

1. Section 195 of the Constitution

The primary mandate for professional ethics in South Africa is found in Chapter 10, Section 195 of the Constitution. It states that public administration must be governed by several basic values and principles, with the very first one being: “A high standard of professional ethics must be promoted and maintained.”

2. The Public Service Act and Regulations

While the Constitution provides the broad mandate, the Public Service Act and its accompanying regulations provide the practical mandates for Heads of Departments to manage the conduct of employees. These laws aim to:

• Ensure employees behave in a way that builds public trust.
• Differentiate between fraud and corruption within the workplace.
• Provide a framework for fighting corruption in a holistic and preventative manner.

3. Why Professional Ethics Matter for Transitions

For a Grade 12 learner transitioning to university or a workplace, professional ethics are a safeguard.

• In the Workspace: Ethics prevent unsettled conflicts that can destroy professional reputations.
• In Society: High ethical standards prevent the negative impact of corruption, such as the unfair distribution of resources or tertiary funding.

4. Impact of Failing to Maintain Ethics

When these mandates are ignored, the results are detrimental:

• Corruption: Leads to poor service delivery and erodes the rights of citizens.
• Conflict: Failing to use conflict resolution based on ethical principles leads to detrimental relationships in the workplace.
• Stress: Living or working in an unethical environment is a significant social stressor that can affect a person’s mental health.

Reference for Students:

• Subject: Life Orientation Grade 12
• Source: Constitution of South Africa (Section 195)
• Topic: Responsibility of the State and Human Rights.