Upholding Constitutional Values and Principles for Enhanced Health Services at A Selected Hospital in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

This article assesses the Implementation of constitutional values and principles in one of the most important service sectors (Public Health) in South Africa, which is a basic human and democratic right of all citizens. The government has the mandate to ensure that public healthcare is well-equipped to deliver this imperative human need. The focus will be limited to six selected principles and values: promoting professional ethics; efficient, effective, and economical use of resources; equity and fairness; transparency; response to the people's needs; and good human resources. In 1994, the public service system in South Africa moved from the apartheid system to a democratic system. The democratic system encourages good governance through constitutional values and principles and adherence to service standards. Literature reveals that leadership is one of the fundamental factors that create a conducive environment for implementing the intended values in an institution. Through the social justice and ethical leadership theories selected, the study assesses the extent to which the selected constitutional values and principles are being implemented at the public hospital in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study utilises a mixed-methods approach, with a case study design. The findings reveal that implementing constitutional values and principles is partial and unsatisfactory, that there are unethical leadership practices, and that there is a lack of career development programs. This paper recommends workshops on constitutional values and principles, public service code of conduct adherence, social justice promotion, and ethical leadership training. Consequence management and disciplinary action must be implemented against those who are found to have violated constitutional values and principles. The paper further recommends that when the Act of misconduct involves corruption, the perpetrators should be reported to the police as required by the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004.