Zuma enacts public administration act

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma has signed into law the Public Administration Management Act, which bans civil servants doing business with the state, the presidency said on Friday.

Among other things, the act sought to promote a high standard of professional ethics in the public administration.

"As part of promoting professional ethics and integrity by employees, the act prohibits public servants from conducting business with the state or being a director of a public or private company that conducts [business] with the state."

Failure to comply with this prohibition constituted serious misconduct which could result in the termination of employment.

The act required employees to disclose their financial interests. Failure to do so constituted misconduct.

This act would take effect on a date still to be determined by the president.