Answer to Question #233608 in English for Suji

Question

Make a comparison between the organisation’s Code of Conduct, the South African constitution and the moral compass

Answer 1

The Code of Conduct outlines the minimum ethical standards of behaviour that people expect of public representatives, including upholding propriety, integrity and ethical values in their conduct. The Code cannot anticipate or prescribe behaviour in hypothetical cases.

The Constitution on the other hand, is the supreme law of the land. No other law or government action can supersede the provisions of the Constitution. It seeks to establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights.

The moral compass is an internalized set of values and objectives that guide a person with regard to ethical behavior and decision-making. Being fit and proper is of the utmost importance to legal practitioners. Not only is it a fundamental statutory requirement for government workers, but it is also indispensable in avoiding disbarment from the esteemed and honourable profession of the public service. Since no legislative or regulatory framework exists to describe exactly what it is to be fit and proper, a citizen of South Africa must consider his or her own internal moral compass.