Ethics Management Framework for Local Government in South Africa: Category A Municipality

Abstract

There is a lack of a context-specific, integrated ethics management framework that adapts King IV principles to the operational authenticities of South African local government which contribute to persistent corruption and weak accountability mechanisms that undermine public trust. This study aimed to develop an integrated ethics management framework for local government, using the City of Cape Town as a case study. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was used, involving a survey of 57 junior and middle managers and interviews with senior managers within the HR department. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, underpinned by institutional theory, virtue ethics, and stewardship theory. Key challenges include political interference, coalition fragmentation, cadre deployment, and tick-box training programmes. Thus, prioritising an ethical climate and systemic reforms such as depoliticised oversight and values-based interventions is essential to restore public trust and good governance.