Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to work with the country’s 1.7 million public servants to improve service delivery and rebuild trust in government institutions.
At the weekend, former president Thabo Mbeki issued a strong rebuke of the government and its civil service.
“Without ethics, the state cannot serve the public to its full potential,” Mbeki said at a lecture at the University of South Africa, paying tribute to the first chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Stan Sangweni, according to The Citizen.
“South Africans can no longer pretend the public service is working fully for their benefit because it is not.”
In his weekly newsletter published on Monday, Ramaphosa said Public Service Month, marked every September, was an opportunity to reflect on the critical role public servants play in delivering healthcare, education, policing, social services and other essential functions.
“When our public service operates at its best, it is a powerful instrument for social and economic development. When it falters, it is often our most vulnerable citizens who bear the brunt,” he wrote.
As we work to build a more professional, accountable and capable public service, we need to bring the public service closer to the people they serve. We must challenge the idea that public servants are providers and citizens are mere beneficiaries of goods and services.
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 15, 2025
While thanking dedicated officials who “work tirelessly in service of our nation,” the president acknowledged ongoing challenges in the public sector, including skills shortages, outdated systems, inconsistent service delivery and corruption.
Ramaphosa said government reforms were under way to professionalise the public service by attracting the right skills, implementing stricter performance management and investing in training through the National School of Government.
He added that the National Dialogue, launched in August, was a chance to “change the relationship between public servants and the public” and to craft a new social compact for the country.
Over the coming months, communities across South Africa will hold meetings to discuss local issues ranging from power cuts and overcrowded schools to water shortages, crime and poor roads. These discussions will culminate in a National Convention next year, which is expected to finalise clear actions and responsibilities for all sectors of society.
“By working together in an integrated way, drawing together resources from within and outside the state, these stakeholders can find ways to solve local problems,” Ramaphosa said, adding that the approach is aligned with government’s District Development Model.
He called on citizens to hold government accountable, engage constructively with public institutions and “recognise the vital role that a professional public service plays in building the society we all want.”
“Together, we can build a public service that serves with excellence and integrity,” the president wrote.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
