**3. Public sector ethics**

According to Hallunovi et al. [1], 'ethics in the public sector is about the practical application of the moral standards in governance'. One needs to understand public sector ethics as the core values and behavioural standards that the public expects from employees, both in the public service and in elected public office bearers. Ethical behaviour is obligatory in public office, as non-adherence to ethical behaviour erodes public trust and brings public office into disrepute (Transparency International). Employees in the public service and office bearers are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical manner. If these officials and office bearers do not adhere to ethical standards, public trust will deteriorate and the public office will be brought to shame. In this manner, the government loses integrity and respect. Public officials make use of their positions to fulfil their selfish interests and greed and that is against any code of ethics. Public officials are the ones that should uphold professional ethics and integrity of government, but in South Africa, they are continually behaving unethically.
