Perceptions of corruption among civil servants in ethical perspective: a case study of Cape Agulhas and Theewaterskloof municipalities

Abstract

The scathing remarks by the Auditor General in the Annual Audit Report of 2017/2018 about the shocking state of financial affairs of most municipalities in South Africa warrant a closer examination. The study investigated the phenomenon characterised primarily by the fact that corruption and mismanagement persist despite extensive training of municipal officials in financial management and governance. Consequently, the research investigated the perceptions of corruption of the civil servants within the local government sphere. The research was conducted through an empirical study using semi-structured interviews comprising of a sample of two senior municipal officials, two ward committee members, and one elected official. The key question that the research seeks to answer is why is it that there is a glaring disjuncture between the extensive training given to the municipal officials on the intricacies of legislative framework governing the management of municipal finances, vis-à-vis the desired ethical behaviour. Furthermore, the research explored the measures taken by government to fight corruption and entrench adherence to relevant legislation designed to foster high moral standards. The research made recommendations based on the findings from the empirical research and further ascertained whether or not the need exists for government to embark on ethics training as a strategic intervention to facilitate moral development through raising levels of consciousness about the significance of ethical conduct befitting civil servants.