Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi tabled his maiden Budget Vote Speech geared towards achieving the goal of “Rebuilding Public Trust, with a Renewed, Purpose-Driven Public Service” at the National Assembly in Cape Town on Friday.

According to Inkosi Buthelezi, the 7th administration signals a new era of a professional, ethical and capable public service that is responsive, and that works.

“When we speak of professionalisation in the public service, we do not simply mean every civil service worker will be accumulating degrees and certifications, we want to ensure that those who are serving the public do so with a renewed sense of pride and respect for their profession. Service is not a job, being in service of others mean that you have answered a calling,” he said.

Minister Buthelezi’s also used the platform to announce that he has identified seven priorities to drive reforms in the public service and improving quality services.

The seven priorities

  • Improving trust in government and government services, by decisively dealing with corruption and corrupt officials. Swiftly act against those abusing the state.
  • Improving discipline management to ensure that disciplinary processes are completed timeously; It is unacceptable that senior management within departments are on lengthy suspensions at the cost of the taxpayer, while sitting at home and litigating their way through the system.
  • Lifestyle audits must be conducted across the board when the system is abused for personal and selfish gain.
  • Modernising service delivery monitoring systems to ensure that complaints are handled efficiently. There is a need for a government wide system that will identify gaps where departments are lagging behind, and reward departments that are efficiently working.
  • Modernisation of public services through digitisation and use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) innovations, including eRecruitment, HR Management and delivery of government services.
  • Partnering with organised labour to ensure that the collective bargaining system works for improving the needs of public servants and government services. To ensure that these processes are respected, and the implementation of resolutions are improved.
  • Improving the health and welfare of public servants by ensuring that our corporate services are responsive to their needs especially mental health, tools of trade and continued training and professional development. This is done to ensure productivity, accountability and professionalism.

Minister Buthelezi expressed his strong view that with the seven identified priorities, the country can build a professional public service driven by a strong sense of purpose and commitment.

“I commit to work with all critical stakeholders to ensure that we usher in reforms that will eliminate a tendency whereby the public service is frowned upon.

“The people of this country deserve a public service that is professional, functional and driven by a deep commitment to the greater good because, the Ministry for the Public Service and Administration is to the country what the heart is to the body.

“Over the past 30 years we have made progress, but we are going to commit ourselves in this term to fixing the persistent issues and weaknesses that have challenged the resilience of the state,” he said.

The DPSA Budget:

The Department has an allocated joint budget of R539, 521 million with the CPSI in the 2024/2025 financial year.

The National School of Government (NSG) will be working with a budget of R210 million, while the PSC has a budget of R282, 405 million.

The Minister said the theme of “Rebuilding Public Trust in a Purpose-Driven Public Service” is not merely an aspiration, but a clarion call to action.