Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi has stated that enhanced public service delivery, strengthened accountability, and the promotion of ethical standards are some of the immediate benefits of a professionalized public service.
Minister Buthelezi made this announcement in response to a written question in the National Assembly regarding the advantages that the public can expect from a professionalized public sector.
“The Directive on Human Resources Management and Development for Public Service Professionalization, Volume 1 (Directive Volume 1), which was approved on February 14, 2024, and implemented on April 1, 2024, outlines the immediate benefits that the public will gain from a professionalized public sector. These include enhanced public service delivery, strengthened accountability, and the promotion of ethical standards within the public service,” he explained.
In his written response, the Minister elaborated on the three main benefits of professionalizing the public service. Regarding improved service delivery, he stated, “The professionalization of the public sector is designed to enhance efficiency, ensuring that public servants are skilled and capable of meeting the needs of citizens. This leads to a more responsive and agile public service dedicated to the public’s welfare.”
On meritocratic recruitment and selection, Inkosi Buthelezi emphasised that by focusing on merit-based processes, the public will benefit from having more competent, capable, and ethical individuals in critical positions. He noted that the Directive specifies recruitment standards to ensure that those appointed to senior management possess the necessary qualifications and experience, resulting in more effective leadership and better decision-making within the public service.
The Minister also pointed out that another benefit will be the reduction of red tape, as the Directive seeks to streamline reporting and decision-making processes, thereby alleviating unnecessary administrative burdens. “This will lead to quicker turnaround times for government services and a more efficient interaction between the public and government departments,” he said.
Regarding increased accountability and integrity, Minister Buthelezi stressed the importance of ethical behaviour, integrity, and compliance with legal standards. He asserted that the emphasis on accountability will ensure public servants adhere to higher ethical standards, fostering greater trust between the public and the public service.
When addressing the question of enhanced capacity through training and development, the Minister noted that public servants will engage in continuous professional development through structured training and mentoring. This approach will enhance their capacity to deliver quality services, ensuring that the public sector remains relevant in the face of evolving challenges.
“Transparency and fairness in public service employment mean that the recruitment and selection process will be transparent, with mandatory personnel suitability checks for all senior management positions. This will create a more trustworthy and accountable public sector, reducing nepotism and corruption, and directly benefiting the public,” he added.
“These benefits are part of the broader outcomes envisioned in the **DPSA Professionalization SMART Plan**, which aims to create an agile, public-oriented professional public service, as outlined in the National Framework for Public Sector Professionalization,” he concluded.
