SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Apply knowledge of ethical principles, standards and professional conduct in public sector management and administration 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119342  Apply knowledge of ethical principles, standards and professional conduct in public sector management and administration 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Public Administration and Management 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies Public Administration 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Reregistered  2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners working towards this standard will be working within a Public Sector environment, specialising in Public Finance Management and Administration, where the acquisition of competence against this standard will add value to one's job. This standard will also add value to public officials who are seeking to develop a career pathway towards becoming an accomplished public finance management and administration specialist.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Explaining the core ethical values and standards which apply to the public sector.
  • Outlining ethical values and standards contained in legislation and codes which have relevance to the conduct of employees in the public sector.
  • Describing areas of ethical conflict for public sector employees.
  • Explaining the importance of ethical values and standards in relation to the public sector workplace.
  • Discussing the relevance of established professional ethics and codes of conduct in public sector administration. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this Unit Standard must be in possession of a Further Education and Training Certificate or equivalent qualification. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the core ethical values and standards which apply to the public sector. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The core public sector ethical values are identified and explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Examples include but are not limited to:
  • Justice.
  • Fairness.
  • Integrity.
  • Responsibility.
  • Openness.
  • Accountability.
  • Stewardship.
  • Competence.

    Evidence of four examples is required.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons for ethical standards in the public sector are identified and explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Examples include but are not limited to:
  • Public expectations.
  • Nature of democratic governance.
  • Need to encourage voluntary compliance.
  • Discretionary powers.
  • Accountability requirements.

    Evidence of three examples is required.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Outline ethical values and standards contained in legislation and codes, which have relevance to the conduct of employees in the public sector. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The values and standards contained in the Regulations applicable to the learner's employer organisation are identified and explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Implied and/or explicit; examples include but are not limited to:
  • Being imbued with the spirit of Batho Pele.
  • Maintaining appropriate standards of integrity and personal responsibility.
  • Concern for the public interest.
  • Being efficient.
  • Respecting the law.

    Evidence of three examples is required.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The main principles contained in the Public Sector Code of Conduct are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Standards of professionalism and ethical principles are identified in line with Public Sector Code of Conduct. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe areas of ethical conflict for public sector employees. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The areas of ethical conflict between personal and public interests are identified and explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Examples include but are not limited to:
  • Acceptance of gifts.
  • Hospitality, travel or air points.
  • Sponsorship.
  • Secondary employment/moonlighting.
  • Post employment obligations.
  • Disclosure of information.
  • Political activities.
  • Standing for public elections.

    Evidence of three examples is required.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The possible areas of ethical conflict between duty to government of the day and duty to public interest are identified and explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Examples include but are not limited to:
  • Non-partisan nature of the public sector.
  • Matters of conscience and duty.
  • Leaking information.
  • Whistle blowing.
  • Identification and reporting on corruptive practices.

    Evidence of two examples is required.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Potential strategies for managing typical conflict are identified and explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the importance of ethical values and standards in relation to the public sector. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Two case studies reported in the public arena that illustrate the importance of ethical values and standards within public sector administration are identified and an explanation given of the issues involved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of ethical values and standards within the candidate's own organisation and role within that organisation are identified and explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Ethical dilemmas are discussed in relation to the case studies identified. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Discuss relevance of established professional ethics and codes of conduct in the public sector workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of a membership to a professional certifying body is understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Guidelines that advocate for appropriate practices for specific financial administration are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Standards of ethical conduct for practitioners of public financial management are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Requirements of the disciplinary and grievance code are understood and applied in the workplace. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Discuss the relevance of established professional ethics and codes of conduct in public sector administration. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Codes of conduct within public sector administration relate to but are not limited to all relevant legislation including the PFMA (Public Finance and Management Act) and MFMA (Municipal Finance and Management Act). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Codes of conduct of the public service finance and administration, of the profession and those required in terms of the legislation are understood and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Professional codes of conducted are identified and explained in line with related legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Measures to monitor and evaluate the application of codes of conduct and professional ethics within public sector administration are identified and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Reporting practices relating to the implementation of codes of conduct and standards of professionalism in relation to public finance management and administration are explained and applied. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Accreditation for this Unit Standard shall be obtained from the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance Body, through summative and formative assessment by a registered assessor.
  • Assessors must be registered as an Assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderators must be registered as assessors with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Agreement with the relevant ETQA.
  • Training providers must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.

    Moderation should include both internal and external moderation where applicable. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The Statutory Framework:

    A working knowledge of: statute law affecting the provision of public sector services:
  • Public Finance and Management Act or the Municipal Finance Management Act.
  • Preferential Procurement Act.
  • Black Economic Empowerment Act.
  • Labour Relations Act.
  • Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
  • Acts specific to the public sector organisational context of the learner.

    The Organisation:

    A detailed understanding of:
  • Information flows within the organisation.
  • Organisational, external agency and employee requirements for information.
  • Procedures for the security and confidentiality of information.
  • Sources of information for the resolution of discrepancies.
  • Professional codes of conduct within public sector finance and administration.
  • Reporting practices in relation to professional codes of conduct and ethics. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Learners are able to identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking processes to monitor and uphold ethical standards in the public sector. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Learners are able to work ethically and effectively with others as a member of a work team, group, organization or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Learners are able to organize and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively and to operate ethically in fulfilling their responsibilities. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Learners are able to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information relevant to upholding and supporting the ethical objectives of the government. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners are able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion to support the establishment and maintenance of high ethical standards in the public sector. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically in support of the establishment and maintenance of high ethical standards in government. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of interrelated systems by recognizing that high standards of ethical behaviour are core to the effective and efficient delivery of services to the people of South Africa especially those who are least able to relieve themselves and their communities of the burdens associated with entrapment in the poverty cycle. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  66869   National Certificate: Home Affairs Services  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Reregistered  2023-06-30  PSETA 
    Core  67460   National Diploma: Public Administration  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Reregistered  2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Fundamental  50438   National Certificate: Immigration Services  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2009-06-29  Was PSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Fundamental  67467   National Certificate: Municipal Governance  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Reregistered  2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Fundamental  50060   National Certificate: Public Administration  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Reregistered  2023-06-30  PSETA 
    Fundamental  57805   National Certificate: Public Sector Employment and Skills Development Practices  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Reregistered  2023-06-30  PSETA 
    Fundamental  58183   National Diploma: Forensic Pathology Support  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Reregistered  2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Fundamental  49554   National Diploma: Public Finance Management and Administration  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Reregistered  2023-06-30  LG SETA 
    Elective  58801   Further Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Noise Practice  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  LG SETA 
    Elective  50122   National Certificate: Policing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2021-12-31  SAS SETA 
    Elective  58395   National Certificate: Project Management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Reregistered  2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Afriwealth Consulting 
    2. Akadon Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    3. Altimax (Pty) Ltd 
    4. AVAX SA 481 CC. T/A Mandisa Development Services 
    5. Bikologix Projects 
    6. Bokatoka Construction and Projects 
    7. Break The Chains Development Services 
    8. Buena Vista Learning Academy 
    9. Business Consulting 
    10. Change Strategies Consulting Services CC 
    11. Cradle Stars Trading Enterprise 
    12. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING 
    13. Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) 
    14. DITEBOGO CONSULTANCY CC 
    15. Eskilz College (Pty) Ltd 
    16. ETAMIC PTY LTD 
    17. Ethembeni Multi Service Enterprise (Pty) Ltd 
    18. Excellent Minds Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    19. GATYANA TRAINING ACADEMY 
    20. GOBELA CONSULTING 
    21. Growth Management Consulting 
    22. Hadima Training Academy 
    23. Hlombe and Associates 
    24. IGKM Management Services (Pty) Ltd 
    25. Inafrica General Trading Pty LTD 
    26. Indub Trading c.c. 
    27. Isiphephelo Consultants 
    28. Josmap Training Institute 
    29. KAGISHO BUSINESS CONCEPTS (Pty) LTD 
    30. KOKANO PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    31. KYM MANAGEMENT CONSULTING 
    32. Lewerb Holdings (PTY) Ltd 
    33. LMMM Training and Development 
    34. Mabuya Amahle Trading 
    35. Mafamawethu Consultants 
    36. Mahayi HRD Services cc 
    37. Mamuhle Academy 
    38. Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA) 
    39. MARS Business Consulting 
    40. MATEPE INVESTMENTS (PTY) LTD 
    41. Matsila Holdings 
    42. MML Consulting CC. 
    43. Mortarboard Training Solutions 
    44. Motheo Skills Entity 
    45. MTK Corporate Solutions 
    46. MUHANGWENE DEVELOPMENT ENTERPRISE 
    47. Nalengmokoni Investors (Pty) Ltd 
    48. Nhlahle Development Agency 
    49. NJ & L Trading Enterprise CC. 
    50. Nkqubela Community Developers 
    51. Nvsion Consulting 
    52. Onyx Training Support 
    53. Pachi Global Foundation 
    54. Pebetse Training and Consulting 
    55. Pioneer Business Consulting 
    56. PMA Holdings (PTY ) LTD. 
    57. Princetop Corporative Training (Pty) Ltd 
    58. Progressive School of Business and Engineering (Pty) 
    59. PTDEV (Pty) Ltd 
    60. Pulakgadi Training Consulting CC 
    61. RCG Markets 
    62. Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 
    63. Resonance Institue of Learning 
    64. SBV SERVICES MIDRAND 
    65. SHEPPERD ACADEMY 
    66. Silalele Consulting CC. 
    67. SIZA NESU TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT 
    68. SNAP SOLUTIONS NETWX PTY LTD 
    69. South African Corporate Training Association 
    70. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE 
    71. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION GRAA 
    72. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION OUDS 
    73. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION PRETORIA WEST 
    74. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION ALL SAINTS 
    75. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION BISHOP LAVIS 
    76. STARPLEX 408 CC 
    77. Tachfin Holdings 
    78. Talent Centre Training 
    79. Talent Emporium Academy (PTY) Ltd 
    80. Tasc Business Consulting and Training 
    81. The Crimson CO CC. 
    82. Thinking Mind Trading 
    83. Thuto-Boswa Education and Training Solution 
    84. Tloumogale Business Development & Consulting 
    85. Transafric Consulting Pty Ltd 
    86. Tshepang Consulting & Project 
    87. TSHWANE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT ACADEMY 
    88. Tumpu Trading and Projects 
    89. TWINMARK STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS 
    90. UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE(PTY)LTD 
    91. Vibra Skills CC. 
    92. Vicmat Consultants 
    93. WEINVEST INVESTMENT CC 
    94. Ziya Investment Holdings Pty Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.