Analysis on the Implementation of Lifestyle Audits in the South African Public Service: The Bullying and Rhetoric

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19627979

H.E. Zitha and M.J. Mafunisa (Department of Public and Development Administration, University of Venda, South Africa)

This study seeks to analyse lifestyle audits implementation in the South African public sector. The impact of the scourge of unethical conduct such as corruption in the public service has forced governments around the world to institute proactive and preventative measures to curb the endemic. The study employs a constructivist paradigm that uses a qualitative research approach, which analyses extensive literature sources and official documents on lifestyle audits as well as corruption in the public service. The manuscript is descriptive and analytical in nature as it explores the strides that the government has made, critical considerations, the challenges and proposes nuanced strategies for effective execution. This study highlights that the implementation of lifestyle audits requires massive resource augmentation, there is a lack of political support, and there is a misalignment between the regulatory framework and the constitutional imperative. The study concludes there is a need for capacity building, review of the statutory frameworks and alignment of the legal mandates with the Bill of Rights. Moreover, the study holds that there is a strong need to avoid superficial results and to invest in strengthening the moral fibre. The manuscript will be a springboard for other scholars as it will form a basis of point of reference, influence policy direction in uprooting corrupt practices in the government circles, as well as provide the much-required insight for departments in the public service in the implementation of lifestyle audits.