Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Public Service Commission Bill into law, strengthening the powers and independence of the constitutional body responsible for monitoring public administration and promoting professional ethics in government.
The Presidency announced the signing on Wednesday, saying the new Public Service Commission Act is aimed at reinforcing constitutional values and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the Public Service.
The Act repeals the Public Service Commission Act of 1997 and forms part of the government’s focus on building a capable and ethical State, one of the top three priorities of the Seventh Administration.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is an independent body established under section 196(1) of the Constitution.
The Constitution requires the Commission to be independent and impartial and to exercise its powers and perform its functions “without fear, favour or prejudice”.
The Commission is responsible for promoting effective and efficient public administration and maintaining high standards of professional ethics in the Public Service.
The new law regulates the appointment of Commissioners by the President and provides for the establishment of a Secretariat to support the Commission’s work.
Penalties
It also strengthens the Commission’s independence and expands its mandate to include local government and public entities.
Under the Act, the Commission can direct an executive authority or another person against whom it has made a decision to report on progress in implementing that decision.
The law also introduces penalties for anyone found guilty of obstructing the Commission while it exercises its powers or performs its functions.
A person convicted of such an offence could face up to 12 months in prison, a fine of up to R50 000, or both.
Ramaphosa said the legislation should help improve public services and support economic growth through ethical and efficient conduct.
“The new Public Service Commission Act should be welcomed by public servants and citizens alike as a means to improve the lives of all South Africans and to enable growth through ethical and efficient conduct in our Public Service.”
Critical enabler
He said the effectiveness of the Commission also depended on the conduct of public servants.
“While the Public Service Commission is a critical enabler of improved public services, it is incumbent upon all public servants to honour citizens in line with the Batho Pele (People First) principles and to view their responsibilities as tools of transformation.”
The President signed the legislation during the annual Public Service Month, saying the timing should encourage public servants to recommit to ethical standards.
“The enactment of the Public Service Commission Act during our annual Public Service Month should inspire renewed pride and ethics in the Public Service.”
The new Act comes as the government continues to emphasise professionalisation, accountability and improved service delivery across the public sector.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
