Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi

While there can never be a sufficient supply of technically skilled and specialist public servants in various fields, the dearth of leadership skills and aptitude can undermine the most expertly crafted policies and initiatives, observed the Minister for Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi.

The Minister made these remarks at the recent launch of the Regenesys Executive Leadership Development Programme, which is offered in partnership with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“The launch of the Regenesys Executive Leadership Development Programme is more than just a programme inauguration but one that symbolises a dedicated and collaborative effort to professionalise and enhance public sector leadership by drawing on the strengths of both the public and private partnerships,” said Minister Inkosi Buthelezi.

The Executive Development Programme is just one of multiple initiatives that contribute to the professionalisation of the Public Sector by equipping current and future leaders not only with technical know-how but also building public trust through ethical leadership. The programme has the following outcomes:

  • Improved public trust in government services;
  • A leadership that embraces digitization and ICT innovations to enhance impact and efficiency;
  • A caring, responsive public service, recognized as an employer of choice; and
  • A professional and accountable public service that serves South Africa with pride.

Grounded on Section 195 of the Constitution, which clearly spells out the values and principles that undergird South Africa’s public service and administration, the Executive programme is also informed by the goal of building a capable and ethical developmental state as envisioned in the National Development Plan (NDP).

Coupled with a range of ongoing public service reforms that include the implementation of the National Framework Towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector, Minister Inkosi Buthelezi highlighted several concrete initiatives that are meant to equip the Public Service with appropriate technical and leadership skills. The successful Nyukela Public Service SMS pre-entry programme and the recently developed Human Capital Strategy for the Public Service are among the interventions.

“By uniting government objectives with the insights of academia and developmental organisations – we can foster a leadership culture that values open dialogue, that tackles challenges head-on, and that inspires a new generation of capable and ethical public servants,” Minister Inkosi Buthelezi concluded.