As we gather for the Annual Future of Work Dialogue, reflecting on our collective journey toward building a capable and ethical public service in South Africa is fitting. Our theme, “Growing South Africa Together for a Capable and Ethical Public Service,” underlines the importance of collaboration and innovation as we navigate the evolving landscape of public administration.
The foundation of our efforts lies in our constitutional and legislative mandates. Section 195 of the South African Constitution emphasizes professional ethics, good human resource management, and effective career development practices. The Public Service Act of 1994 establishes norms and standards to transform the public service and enhance its effectiveness and efficiency. These mandates serve as guiding principles as we work towards professionalization, prepare for the future of work, and foster innovation within the Department.
In our commitment to effective governance, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has taken significant steps to strengthen our connections across the African continent. The DPSA is the focal point for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and hosts the Secretariat for the National Governance Council. Our participation in various pan-African programs, such as the Strong Nations for Africa Programme, allows us to collaborate with other nations, sharing best practices in e-government, performance management, and innovation.
A key focus area for the DPSA is the professionalization of the public service. Since transitioning to democracy, we have experienced multiple administrative changes, but these processes have often lacked institutionalization. To address this, we have issued guidelines to ensure that appointments and transitions are conducted fairly. The skills audit initiative is critical in this regard. By identifying current and future skills needs, we can ensure that our workforce remains competent and capable of meeting the evolving demands of the public sector. Our partnerships with organizations such as PSETA and universities play a vital role in identifying skills gaps and developing targeted training programs.
As we look to the future, we must rethink the skills required within the public service. Our focus must be on continuous professional learning and development, enabling our workforce to adapt to changing environments. We can align our workforce with the needs of the public sector by assessing organizational skills and identifying areas for new talent, ultimately improving service delivery.
Modernizing our public service requires comprehensive strategies encompassing talent management, workforce planning, and employee engagement. This includes fostering an organizational culture that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring all voices are heard and respected. We must embrace enabling technologies that facilitate data management and analytics, allowing us to make informed decisions based on real-time insights.
In an era of limited budgets, digital transformation is not a luxury but a necessity. We must invest in building capacity for data analytics, enabling us to analyse trends and plan for various scenarios. This data-driven governance approach will enhance our compliance, reduce red tape, and ultimately lead to a more professionalized public service.
As we move forward, it is important that all our interventions, including the Human Capital Strategy and skills audits, are institutionalized. We must prepare to welcome the next generation of public servants, particularly Generation Z, who bring fresh perspectives and skills to our workforce.
Let us commit to growing South Africa through a capable and ethical public service. We can build a public service that meets the needs of all South Africans by fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and prioritizing professionalization. Our journey toward a capable and ethical public service is a shared responsibility requiring the dedication and commitment of every public servant.
Ms Yoliswa Makhasi is the Director-General of the Department of Public Service and Administration. She spoke at the Annual Future of Work Dialogue on November 11, 2024.
