100 municipalities adopt code for ethical leadership

One hundred municipalities across South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to ethical and accountable governance by adopting the Code for Ethical Leadership in Local Government.

Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa welcomed the adoption, describing it as a positive step towards strengthening good governance in the local government sector.

“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.

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The Code was developed through 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 during the Summit on Ethical Leadership in Local Government in Gauteng on March 1, 2024.

In October 2024, Hlabisa and SALGA president Bheke Stofile entered into an agreement encouraging municipalities across the country to adopt the Code through formal council resolutions.

Based on the Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy of 2015, the Code applies to people in municipal leadership positions, including political office-bearers, councillors, traditional leaders and administrative personnel such as municipal managers and other officials.

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It sets out principles and practices aimed at promoting ethical leadership and good governance in local government.

Against a backdrop 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.

Hlabisa has encouraged the remaining municipalities to also adopt the Code.

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.