This study investigates the critical challenges facing the South African public service, focusing on corruption, low employee morale, and accountability deficits. Despite ongoing reforms, governance weaknesses continue to undermine service delivery and public trust. The research aims to develop a comprehensive framework for reform that addresses these challenges through enhanced leadership, ethical practices, and institutional accountability. Drawing on recent empirical data and policy analyses, the study offers practical recommendations to strengthen governance and revitalise the public sector’s role in democratic development. The purpose of this study is to examine the underlying factors contributing to corruption, low morale, and weak accountability within the South African public service, and to propose a robust, context-specific governance reform framework. This framework intends to guide policymakers, administrators, and stakeholders in improving institutional integrity, employee engagement, and service delivery outcomes. South Africa’s public service continues to grapple with systemic corruption, low staff morale, and inadequate accountability, which hinder effective service delivery and erode public confidence. Previous reform efforts have been hampered by poor implementation, institutional weaknesses, and political interference, leaving governance challenges unresolved. There is a pressing need for a holistic and practical reform framework that can address these interrelated issues to restore the public sector’s legitimacy and performance. Corruption remains deeply entrenched in multiple layers of government, undermining transparency and resource allocation. Low employee morale is linked to insufficient leadership development, poor recognition systems, and lack of career progression opportunities. Accountability mechanisms are often weak due to fragmented oversight, political pressures, and under-resourced institutions. Successful reform requires integrated governance frameworks that combine ethical leadership, effective internal controls, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. This study contributes a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for public service reform tailored to the South African context. By synthesizing recent empirical research and policy evaluations, it provides actionable strategies for combating corruption, boosting employee morale, and enhancing accountability. The framework is designed to support sustainable improvements in governance and public sector performance, informing both academic discourse and practical policy-making. Addressing governance challenges in the South African public service demands coordinated reform efforts that tackle corruption, low morale, and accountability deficiencies simultaneously. This study’s proposed framework offers a pathway for strengthening institutional integrity, empowering employees, and restoring public trust. Implementing these reforms will be essential for achieving effective, ethical, and responsive governance that supports South Africa’s democratic and developmental goals.