The new Director-General (DG) of the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), Ms Yoliswa Makhasi, has hit the ground running, starting her first day yesterday attending the Forum of Directors-General (FOSAD) meeting at the Presidency, Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Earlier this morning, Tuesday 03 March 2020, Public Service and Administration Minister, Mr Senzo Mchunu officially welcomed and introduced her to the department during a staff meeting held at Batho Pele building.
Minister Mchunu shared with staff members about the fairness, transparency and professionalism that was employed throughout the recruitment process of the DG.
“It is my pleasure to introduce to you Ms Yoliswa Makhasi as the new DG of the Public Service and Administration; she comes at a time when we are trying to tackle some problems that are confronting us.
“You are welcome, we will assist you where you need our help and we believe that you will also assist us. Remember that you need to be firm in taking decisions and when people do good, tell them and when they do wrong, also tell them without fear or favour.
“Work with everybody including the unions but that should be based on the framework and prescripts of the law,” he said.
To the DG, he said: “Humble yourself, take it easy step-by-step, respect everybody including cleaners and those working at the reception.”
Ms Makhasi is a seasoned and experienced senior public servant who previously was the Head of Department of Gauteng Community Safety.
She has more than 20 years’ experience in the public service including few years that she spent at the Department of Public Enterprises as the Deputy Director-General.
Addressing staff members, Ms Makhasi said it has been a dream for her to work for the DPSA and she is looking forward to work with everyone at the Department.
“Thank you for your warm welcome, as an activist at heart, I am open minded but do not like processes to drag for ever before something happens, so bear with me, when I address issues, it will be in my professional capacity and nothing personal.
“A lot is expected from us, therefore, we need to ensure that we are delivering,” she said.
Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed Directors-General of departments to focus their energy on implementation of government’s plans.
A statement issued by the Presidency at the time read: “The President called on the most senior echelon of the public service to move with speed and determination to implement the measures required to turnaround the economy, including the measures contained in the economic stimulus and recovery plan.”
