Mechanisms of ensuring accountability: the importance of accountability in promoting good governance in the South African public sector

Abstract

According to Maloba (2015:88), one of the core foundations of good governance is accountability. Ubisi (2018) concurs and states that it refers to a person's or organisation's willingness to explain and declare the use of all resources obtained from stakeholders. In the public sector, accountability strengthens good governance by reducing corruption, enhancing the effectiveness of the public service sector and curbing the misuse of power by those in positions of authority. Holding public officials accountable for their actions allows for the punishment of individuals who planned to engage in illegal activities and discourages participation in unlawful activities (Pedersen & Nielsen, 2016:361). The Zondo Commission Inquiry revealed the contrary to this practice, the lack of accountability in the South African public sector, which has created the room for corruption. Not holding senior public officials accountable has led to mismanagement of public funds and fraudulent activities (Wille, 2016:700). South African citizens also took note of Jacob Zuma, the former president of South Africa, who refused to answer questions regarding a state capture investigation led by former public protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela and undermined the Republic of South Africa's Constitution. Ubisi (2018) adds that a lack of public accountability impedes service delivery in South Africa. Kgobe and Chauke (2021) concur that the local sphere of government, which is the one closest to the people and which should be held accountable, is where issues around accountability are most prevalent. Throughout the 30 years of democracy, the South African public sector still has faced severe difficulties of public accountability and corruption. Munzhedzi (2016:6) states that because of a lack of accountability, South Africa is still confronted with many challenges. This indicates that accountability in the South African public sector has been undermined.