The management of workplace discipline in Department of Justice, Malamulele Cluster Courts, Limpopo Province

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.