28 July 2026 – The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and Productivity SA have taken a significant step towards strengthening the performance and effectiveness of the public service through the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing a shared commitment to improving productivity across government.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of senior leadership from both institutions, including Acting Chief Executive Officer of Productivity SA, Ms Amelia Naidoo, representatives of the Executive Authorities of the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and Productivity SA, Ms Mamello Monageng, Acting Chief Director: Operations Management, and Mr Manaseh Tshiguvho, Director: Productivity and Capability Measurement.
The partnership, supported by the National School of Government (NSG) and other strategic stakeholders, establishes a collaborative framework to drive practical, measurable improvements in how public institutions deliver services to citizens. Leaders from both organisations emphasised that the agreement represents far more than a symbolic commitment; it marks the beginning of a long-term partnership focused on implementation, innovation and sustainable institutional change.
The collaboration builds on the foundations established through the 2014 Productivity Management Framework, which introduced a productivity assessment toolkit following an extensive national consultative process. The renewed partnership reflects lessons learned from productivity assessments conducted in provincial education and health departments and aligns with the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029, which prioritises improving the efficiency, ease of doing business and productivity of the public sector to strengthen state capability and service delivery.
Central to the renewed collaboration is the revision and strengthening of the Public Service Productivity Management Framework. The updated framework incorporates recommendations from the Presidential Productivity Task Team and provides a more comprehensive approach to measuring, managing and improving productivity across government institutions. It is designed to strengthen organisational performance, promote public value and embed productivity as a core component of public service reform.
The partnership also gives practical effect to the MTDP by creating a consistent and standardised approach to productivity measurement throughout the public service. Productivity SA will play a central role in supporting the implementation of the framework by providing technical expertise, institutional support and knowledge sharing to ensure departments can effectively assess, monitor and improve productivity. This work will contribute towards strengthening government performance and advancing a capable, efficient and citizen-centred public service.
A key focus of the renewed MoU is building institutional capability across government. Productivity SA and the DPSA will jointly develop standardised productivity measurement tools, capacitate Public Service Productivity Champions through training and mentorship, support productivity assessments across departments, and promote advocacy and knowledge sharing to embed a culture of continuous improvement throughout the public service.
To recognise excellence and encourage innovation, the partners will also collaborate on public service productivity recognition initiatives, including the revival of productivity awards. The partnership will support the adjudication of productivity awards and introduce greater recognition for departments that demonstrate excellence in productivity improvement, reinforcing the value of innovation and knowledge sharing across government
Acting Chief Executive Officer of Productivity SA, Ms Amelia Naidoo, described the agreement as a milestone in advancing productivity within the public sector, noting that meaningful and lasting impact will depend on sustained collaboration, trust and shared accountability among all partners.
The DPSA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement, acknowledging both the scale of the task and the importance of learning from previous initiatives. A dedicated project team will oversee implementation of the MoU, monitor progress and support departments in embedding productivity improvements into their operations.
The immediate priority following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding will be the launch of the revised Public Service Productivity Management Framework during Productivity Month, marking the beginning of implementation across government. The launch will introduce the revised framework, commence the rollout of productivity assessments, initiate training for Public Service Productivity Champions, and lay the foundation for implementing the Productivity Directive during the 2027/28 financial year.
The renewed partnership has been designed to ensure continuity beyond changes in leadership, creating an institutional approach that supports long-term capability building, improved productivity measurement and sustained public service reform. Building on the success of the 2014 partnership, the DPSA and Productivity SA will continue working together to strengthen government performance, foster innovation and create a more effective, efficient and economical public service that delivers quality services for all South Africans.
