Public Service and Administration Minister (MPSA) Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi announced significant measures to protect whistleblowers through an approved guide for witness protection.
Delivering the 2025/26 budget vote for the Ministry of Public Service and Administration to Parliament at the Good Hope Chambers in Cape Town on Wednesday, the Minister emphasized the importance of safeguarding those who report corruption.
“We have taken decisive steps to protect whistleblowers through our approved guide for witness protection, ensuring that those who report corruption can do so without fear. Our enhancements to discipline management and the establishment of a central register for disciplinary actions promote transparency and accountability within the public service,†he stated.
Modernizing Public Service Delivery
Minister Buthelezi highlighted that modernizing public service delivery through digitization is a crucial component of the DPSA strategy. “We are developing a comprehensive Digital Transformation Roadmap, collaborating with key stakeholders to streamline access to government services. Additionally, we are rolling out a Data Management Programme to foster evidence-based policy development and enhance Information and Communications Technology (ICT) governance,†he added.
Adoption of the PSC Bill
The Minister also noted the adoption of the Public Service Commission (PSC) Bill by the National Assembly, marking a significant milestone in the department’s commitment to strengthening the role of the Commission.
“The Bill aims to achieve several key objectives. Firstly, it establishes a Secretariat for the Commission, enabling it to function as an independent and impartial constitutional body. This enhancement will support the Commission in effectively fulfilling its mandate across the entire public administration, including local government and public entities, in alignment with Section 196(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,†he explained.
The Bill also seeks to improve the efficiency and impact of the Commission by legally obligating Members of the Executive to act on recommendations issued after investigations conducted by the Commission. Most importantly, it regulates the appointment procedures for Commissioners, ensuring that only competent individuals who uphold the highest levels of integrity are selected.
To facilitate this, the PSC has established a preliminary database of technical experts to participate in high-level selection committees for appointing top executives in the public sector. According to the Minister, this database will be refined further, and a Good Practice Guide for Executive Recruitment will be developed.
“The PSC will work to institutionalize core values in local government, promoting ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism, and enhanced service delivery. By the end of the 7th Administration, we expect to have made significant progress in institutionalizing these values across all spheres of government, including State-Owned Entities. Our Integrity and Anti-Corruption Programme will be central to achieving these goals,†he stated.
Minister Buthelezi also underlined the need for financial independence for the PSC, emphasizing that the Commission must be adequately funded to fully discharge its constitutional mandate without fear, favor, or prejudice.
For the upcoming financial year, the Minister tabled a joint budget of R564.720 million for both the DPSA and the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI). The National School of Government (NSG) will operate with a budget of R228.6 million, while the Public Service Commission (PSC) is allocated R302 million.
