Implementation of ethics and anti-corruption initiatives in selected Scandinavian countries: Lessons for South Africa U Mphendu & N Holtzhausen SPMA International Conference 26 27 October 2016
Presentation outline Introduction Selected Scandinavian countries Finland Denmark Sweden Lessons learnt Conclusion SPMA Conference 26-27 October 2016
Introduction Comprehensive legislation in South Africa. Implementation has proven to be ineffective. SA is performing poorly as compared to Scandinavia on the international surveys consistently at top of surveys. Scandinavian states are small, rich, politically stable and homogenous societies initiatives while underdeveloped. SA is also political stable with developmental challenges. SPMA Conference 26-27 October 2016
Transparency International CPI (2011 2015) Rankings of selected Scandinavian countries and South Africa Rank 2011 (Score) out of 183 countries Rank 2012 (Score) out of 176 countries Rank 2013 (Score) out of 177 countries Rank 2014 (Score) out of 175 countries Rank 2015 (Score) out of 168 countries Finland 2 (9.4) 1 (90) 3 (89) 3 (89) 2 (90) Denmark 2 (9.4) 1 (90) 1 (91) 1 (92) 1 (91) Sweden 4 (9.3) 4 (88) 3 (89) 4 (87) 3 (89) South Africa 64 (4.1) 69 (43) 72 (42) 67 (44) 61 (44) SPMA Conference 26-27 October 2016
Selected Scandinavian countries Finland Political will to ensure integrity and transparency. The Finnish Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 2003 (Act 434 of 2003) to promote good behaviour in the public organisations. The Penal/Criminal Code of Finland, 1889 (Act 39 of 1889 amendments up to 927/2012 included) contains a chapter concerning offences in office. Tight financial monitoring and professional peer-control. SPMA Conference 26-27 October 2016
The Parliamentary Ombudsman and the Office of the Chancellor. No separate agency courts, ombudsman and media. Anti-Corruption Coordinating Group. The internal mechanisms for decision making limit corrupt activities. The rule of law is strictly applied. SPMA Conference 26-27 October 2016
Denmark Professional and decently paid bureaucracy selected by merit. Strong culture of public administration. Few written rules of integrity there is a strong expectation that individuals must always do the right thing. Potential weakness when the administrative culture is weakened, there will be few rules to fall back on, which can make the system vulnerable. SPMA Conference 26-27 October 2016
Sweden Good political and legal systems, efficient and transparent bureaucracy, and high trust between public officials and citizens. Corruption only plays a minor role in their society it was addressed through coordinated strategies (big push). Public sector specific anti-corruption agency that is effective: the National Anti-Corruption Unit. A multi-sectoral network called National Anti-Corruption Network.
Lessons learnt Culture Success of anti-corruption reforms is largely attributed to their culture. The use of culture as a defensive mechanism for corrupt activities is commonly used in African countries. Ubuntu is the fundamental pillar in eradicating corruption and promotes, among others ethic of caring, honesty and trust. Guard against use of cultural activities to justify corrupt activities.
Democracy Is democracy a prerequisite of successful implementation of anti-corruption reforms? The world s least corrupt countries are all wealthy democracies. The implementation in a democratic environment institutions to support democratic processes. In South Africa democracy is supported by Public Protector, Public Service Commission, Auditor-General.
Democracy does not necessarily guarantee successful implementation of the ethics legislation. Leaders establish themselves as monopoly providers of benefits for average citizens. The quality of government efficiency, public ethos, good decision making, transparency, accountability and stability. Values and principles governing public administration Chapter 9 of the 1996 Constitution.
Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory - implemented across the system. Involve all major political, economic and social institutions. If governments only have a few resources save them until you can muster a big bang change. A powerful corrupt network must realise there is a new game in town. The introduction of massive reforms should include also shared expectations.
Salaries of public servants In all the selected Scandinavian countries public servants resemble their private sector counterparts more. Public office is not a privilege but a civic duty. Isolate careers in the public sector from the market flexibilities in order to create the best opportunities for impartial implementation of policies. Seniority of corrupt officials high salaries. Salary revision in South Africa already bloated salaries component on the public service budget under scrutiny.
Rule of law Anti-corruption reforms require an equally effective rule of law. Scandinavian countries legal tradition first-class civil service characterised by its professionalism and integrity. In SA the justice system is fairly effective and we have comprehensive legislation. It is, therefore, upon the implementers to investigate the alleged cases of corruption.
Size of government Bigger governments are in general less corrupt than smaller ones. Scandinavian countries have large public sectors, are big on public services. Accountability mechanisms that have been put in place in South Africa. A crucial point to consider in this regard is the influence of officials from the formerly independent states.
Conclusion Scandinavian countries are consistently at the top of international surveys. Most developed countries started implementing their anticorruption measures while they were still categorised as developing. There is no single solution in fighting corruption as every country has to examine its unique circumstances and come up with a comprehensive strategy.
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