Abstract:
This paper employs empirical and intuitive theory to argue that ethics remains critical and vital
in transformation and delivering services to the public and this is the responsibility of both the elected and
appointed public officials. Therefore, ethical dilemmas continue to be the greatest threats to improved and
efficient political and administrative governance. This paper deduces and denotes that public servants have the
mandate to ensure that public administration is carried out swiftly and efficiently, as well as effectiveness, are
practiced in executing public policies. This paper deduces that efficacious public administration and political
governance are contingent on the trust of the citizens. Poor conduct, deficient performance as well as ethical
dilemmas generate public cynicism and create room for political as well as administrative instability. This paper
makes a conclusion that ethical dilemmas continue to weaken governance and infiltrate public sector institutions
blurring the lines of accountability and transparency in South Africa and Chapter 9 institutions still have
no clear role to play in addressing ethical dilemmas emanating from the political and administrative arena due
to the limited powers allocated to such institutions. Therefore, this paper has noted that Chapter 9 institutions
are failing to address ethical dilemmas facing politics and administration due to limited powers and shifting
as well as the transfer of responsibility to the perpetrators to execute as well as implement remedial actions
by Chapter 9. This is more of a "shoot yourself" approach which has proven to not be effective. Chapter 9, as
independent institutions, should be allowed and granted the power and freedom to implement and execute
the remedial actions proposed in their reports. This will result in impartiality and independence not limited
to theory but practice.
