Ethical Dilemmas Emanating in Politics and Administration: Concomitants Effects on Chapter 9 Institutions in South Africa

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.