Municipalities in the country have reaffirmed their commitment to principled governance by adopting a code that enjoins them to ensure ethical and accountable leadership.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has welcomed the adoption of the Code for Ethical Leadership in Local Government by 100 municipalities, describing it as a positive development in efforts to ensure good governance.
“The adoption of the Code by the 100 municipalities across the nine provinces reflects a growing commitment within the local government sector to place ethical leadership, accountability and good governance at the heart of municipal leadership,” Hlabisa said.
The Code is the brainchild of the Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative, a partnership between The Ethics Institute, the Department of Cooperative Governance, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Moral Regeneration Movement.
It was launched at the Summit on Ethical Leadership in Local Government, held in Gauteng on 1 March 2024.
In October 2024, Hlabisa and SALGA President Bheke Stofile, entered into a mutual agreement to encourage all municipalities in the country to adopt the Code through a formal Council Resolution.
The Code, which is based on the Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy of 2015, is applicable to all people in municipal leadership positions, including political figures, councillors, traditional leaders, and administrative personnel, such as municipal managers and officials.
It outlines the principles and practices for ethical governance and leadership in the local government sector.
Following a plethora of governance and ethical challenges, the Code seeks to promote well-governed, efficient and effective municipalities.
“The Code will inspire local government leaders in the 100 municipalities to serve their communities with integrity, discipline and commitment, and enable communities to hold them accountable,” Hlabisa said.
He has encouraged the remaining municipalities in the country to also adopt the Code.
Meanwhile, the councils of the 100 municipalities are expected to institutionalise the Code by developing implementation plans aimed at fostering a culture of ethical and accountable leadership.
The Code is accessible on the www.cogta.gov.za and www.tei.org.za/lgeli websites. – SAnews.gov.za
