The Code also introduces provisions for a register of financial interests of the Executive members, to be kept by the Secretary of Cabinet or, in the case of provinces, the Secretary of the Executive Council. Disclosure of gifts received and financial interests is already required, since 1995, in respect of both executive and non-executive Members of Parliament. The provision for the disclosure of Members Interest, which is a forerunner for this Code, was more than ample evidence of the ANC's commitment to clean and transparent government. The Public Service already has its own Code of Conduct, promulgated in 1997, which has a section that sets standards relating to personal conduct and private interests. The Code is now part of the Public Service Regulatory Framework, and is fully enforceable via the new Public Service Disciplinary Code and Procedures.
Government also has a constitutional obligation to be transparent and responsive.
The essence of transparency is disclosure by government on the one hand and access to information for the people on the other. In South Africa, the right of access to information is guaranteed by the Constitution, and will be further strengthened in the coming months by the coming into operation of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, a legal instrument which binds government to comply with all reasonable requests for information held by it. The role of a free press in exposing evil and in fostering debate on important issues within our society is critical, and that freedom must be accepted and not conditional. The press has a corresponding duty to report in a responsible manner, though wise government does not prescribe how this is done. Responsiveness is essential to good governance and the true test of government's accountability to the people.