Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Ms Noxolo Kiviet, hosted an imbizo with Public Servants on May 2, 2024, in King Williams Town, Eastern Cape Province.
The Imbizo brought together senior management from the provincial administration, including the Office of the Premier as well as representatives from the DPSA, the National School of Government (NSG), and the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The Eastern Cape imbizo with public servants was part of a series of engagements following Parliament’s adoption of the amended Public Service Act and Public Administration Management Act bill in February 2024. In addition, Volume 1 of the Directive on Human Resources Management and Development for Public Service Professionalization was issued during the same period, providing a framework for implementation.
During the discussions, Minister Kiviet emphasized the crucial role of managers in corporate services, as they are responsible for recruitment and continuous learning. The Minister highlighted that these managers play a vital role in the success or failure of the provincial administration.
Minister Kiviet called for senior managers to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the ongoing reform and professionalization of the Public Service. She emphasized the importance of their professional development to empower their teams and ensure the organization’s success.
Corporate services, according to Minister Kiviet, hold the responsibility of providing solutions to organizational challenges by attracting and retaining relevant and skilled individuals. She stressed that this is vital for the success of each branch within an organization.
The Minister also raised concerns about the overrepresentation of a particular population group in the Public Service, cautioning against the potential undermining of the constitutional imperative for equity and diversity. She emphasized that equity means aligning representation within the Public Service with the demographics of society.
Minister Kiviet reminded managers of the constitutional commitment to non-racialism and non-sexism, highlighting the importance of maintaining equity in employment practices and fostering diversity in the Public Service.
The ongoing reforms and focus on professionalization aim to strengthen the foundations of the new Public Service. Minister Kiviet emphasized the need for managers to understand their responsibilities, enhance their skills, and ensure equitable representation in the workforce. By doing so, the Public Service can effectively meet the challenges of the future and deliver quality services to the public.
