The Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEIDTAU) at the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), have witnessed firsthand the challenges facing the public service when it comes to upholding ethical conduct and effective discipline management. However, I am encouraged by the progress we have made in the past year and remain committed to building a capable and ethical public service that the citizens of South Africa can trust.
Over the past year, we have rolled out a comprehensive Discipline Management Strategy that aims to address the systemic issues that have plagued our discipline processes. This multi-pronged approach focuses on strengthening the legislative framework, fostering a culture of ethical behavior, and improving implementation through targeted training and capacity building.
One of the key achievements has been the review of the outdated Disciplinary Code. Through extensive consultations with government departments, we have been able to align the Code with current labor laws and address the efficiency gaps identified by the Discipline Management Strategy. Some of the highlights include introducing virtual hearings, enforcing strict timelines, and clarifying the powers of role-players to ensure fairness and consistency in disciplinary processes.
Additionally, we have made significant strides in tackling the backlog of misconduct cases and precautionary suspensions that have long plagued our public service. By closely monitoring the situation and intervening in departments with concerning trends, we have been able to reduce the overall backlog and ensure that cases are resolved in a timely manner.
However, our work is far from done. We recognize that instilling a culture of ethics and integrity within the public service requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond just disciplinary measures. That is why we have also been championing ethics and integrity programs, including training initiatives and whistleblowing mechanisms, to empower public servants to uphold the highest standards of conduct.
As we move forward, the PAEIDTAU will continue to provide technical assistance and support to national and provincial departments, working closely with them to identify areas for improvement and implement tailored solutions. We are committed to being a partner in the transformation of our public service, helping to restore the trust and confidence of the South African people.
While the road ahead may not be easy, I am confident that by working together, we can build a public service that is truly capable, ethical, and responsive to the needs of our citizens. It is a vision that I am passionate about, and one that I believe we can make a reality through our collective efforts.
Dr Salomon Hoogenraad-Vermaak is the Chief Director of the Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PA-EID-TAU) at the Department of Public Service and Administration.
