Ethical Leadership Code Adopted by 100 South African Municipalities

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  September 8, 2026

One hundred municipalities across South Africa have adopted a Code for Ethical Leadership in Local Government, in a move aimed at strengthening accountability and governance in the country’s municipal sector.

Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, welcomed the adoption across all nine provinces, describing it as evidence of growing commitment to ethical leadership in local government.

“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.

The Code applies to people holding leadership positions in municipalities, including councillors, political leaders, traditional leaders, municipal managers and other administrative officials. It sets out principles and practices intended to promote ethical conduct and accountable decision-making.

The initiative was developed through a partnership between the Ethics Institute, the Department of Cooperative Governance, the South African Local Government Association and the Moral Regeneration Movement. It was launched in March 2024 at a summit on ethical leadership in local government in Gauteng.

The adoption drive gained momentum in October 2024, when Hlabisa and SALGA President Bheke Stofile agreed to encourage municipalities to formally adopt the Code through council resolutions.

Based on the Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy of 2015, the Code was developed against a backdrop of persistent governance and ethical challenges facing municipalities. Its proponents say it is intended to help create municipalities that are better governed and more effective in delivering services.

Hlabisa said the Code should also strengthen the ability of communities to hold municipal leaders accountable for their conduct.

“The Code will inspire the local government leaders in the 100 municipalities to serve their communities with integrity, discipline and commitment, and enable communities to hold them accountable,” he said.

The government is now urging the remaining municipalities to adopt the Code. The 100 municipalities that have already done so are expected to move from adoption to implementation by developing plans to embed ethical leadership and accountability in their institutions.

Source: FSX Business News