What is Graft?
Graft is a form of political corruption that involves the misdirection of public funds by a government official for the benefit of private interests. This is unlawful.
When government employees or elected officials allocate public funds, they are expected to act in the best interests of the public by awarding contracts to the most competitive bidders in a fair and honest procurement process.
Political grafting takes place in decision-making situations where public officials are directed to choose a supplier for goods and services or select the winning bid for a government contract.
A corrupt official would award the lucrative contract to a “friendly” company, often at a cost that substantially exceeds the fair market rate.
With this said how do ratepayers hold municipalities accountable?
The Code of Conduct for the Public Service is canvassed in the document.
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN THE WORKPLACE
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The Public Service Commission (PSC) is mandated in terms of the Constitution of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, to promote and maintain a high standard of professional ethics throughout the Public Service
Section 195(1) (a) of the Constitution requires that “a high standard of professional ethics must be promoted and maintained”
Section 33(2) of the Constitution provides that everyone whose rights have been adversely affected by administrative actions has the right to be given written reasons.
This means that, to abide by the Constitution, every public servant should ensure that administrative decisions and actions are based on sound reasons, so that such reasons can be provided to anyone affected. Generally speaking, this means that all administrative actions must be able to stand the test of transparency.
Not being familiar with the Public Service financial prescripts, an official approves the purchasing of equipment without obtaining the required Treasury approval.
Such an action would mean unauthorised expenditure and could give rise to costly and wasteful legal action and claims for damages.
THE LAW
Local Government Turnaround Strategy (LGTAS)
The Local Government Turnaround Strategy was introduced as a government programme of action and a blueprint for better service delivery aimed at responsive, accountable, effective and efficient local government. Five focus areas aimed at fast-tracking implementation of the strategy have been identified.
These are:
- Service delivery
- Governance
- Financial management
- Infrastructure development
- Fighting corruption
To learn more about local government
