Abstract:
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has been mandated by
the government of the day to render accessible, fair, speedy and cost effective
administration of justice in the interest of a safer and more secure South Africa. The
department then set service standards to be able to achieve its goals. Like other
departments in the country, the department of Justice has officials who perform
duties to ensure that service is delivered to people. These officials have to conduct
themselves in an acceptable manner prescribed by the employer. Since the code of
conduct has been developed to promote and maintain high standard of professional
ethics throughout the public service, the code of conduct is mandatory if effective
service delivery is to reach all South Africans. Public servants must ensure that their
conduct conforms to the basic values and principles governing public administration.
The research focused on how discipline is managed in Malamulele cluster
magistrate’s courts, in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Qualitative research
methodology was used. Results indicated that some structures and individuals know
their roles and responsibilities in management of discipline, however the
understanding is only to a certain extent. Managers have been made to believe that
it is proper to attend only less serious misconducts and refer the serious ones to the
labour relations section at the regional level. Recommendations were advanced on
activities that need to be performed in order for discipline to be well managed.
