President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured that Members of the National Executive are, by law, expected to abide by the Executive Members’ Ethics Act of 1998 and the Oath of Office they took earlier this year.

The President was responding to questions in the National Assembly on Thursday afternoon.

‘The law makes provision for a Code of Ethics that prescribes standards and rules in support of open, democratic and accountable government.

‘The Executive Ethics Code, which was promulgated on 28 July 2000, says that Members must – to the satisfaction of the President or Premier – perform their duties and exercise their powers diligently and honestly. It requires that they act in all respects in a manner that is consistent with the integrity of their office.

‘Among other things, the code says that Members may not use their position to enrich themselves or improperly benefit any other person. They may not expose themselves to any situation involving the risk of a conflict between their official responsibilities and
their private interests,’ he said.

President Ramaphosa further outlined that members of the National Executive are also required to disclose the financial interests that they, their spouses, permanent companions and dependent children hold to the Secretary of Cabinet.

‘To provide an additional layer of assurance, the Act requires the Public Protector to investigate any alleged breach of the code of ethics on receipt of a complaint by the President or a member of Parliament.

‘This establishes a robust mechanism for ensuring that members of the Executive adhere to the code and that they generally uphold the ethical standards that are expected of them.

‘I have made it clear to the Members of the Executive that I appointed on 30 July 2024 that they are expected to meet the standards established by the Executive Ethics Code and to uphold the oath that they each took on assuming office,’ President Ramaphosa said.

Source: South African Government News Agency