By Phenyo Selinda
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that building a capable state is a critical step to creating an inclusive economy that benefits all South Africans. Addressing the nation in his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President highlighted the importance of strengthening the state, a key priority of the Government of National Unity (GNU) outlined in his recent Opening of Parliament Address.
Strengthening the State
President Ramaphosa underscored the significance of rebuilding the “capability of the state and creating a professional public service.” He noted that this endeavour is already in progress, citing the adoption of the national framework for the professionalisation of the public service by Cabinet in 2022. This framework is designed to guide public service reform and enhance meritocracy within the sector.
“The national framework for the professionalisation of the public service was adopted by Cabinet in 2022 to guide public service reform. The Department of Public Service and Administration [DPSA] has already issued two directives giving effect to the framework,” the President stated.
Merit-Based Public Service
The framework aims to establish a merit-based public service by overhauling recruitment and selection processes, along with performance management systems. President Ramaphosa detailed the introduction of competency-based assessments and integrity tests to be implemented across the public sector, including for political office appointees such as ministerial advisers and chiefs of staff.
Opportunities for Youth
Additionally, the President highlighted efforts to open more opportunities for young people aspiring to join the public service. One of the DPSA directives waives the experience requirement for entry-level posts with no supervisory responsibilities, and also provides for the verification of academic qualifications from applicants facing outstanding student debt.
Capable Leadership
President Ramaphosa stressed the necessity of capable leaders for a capable state. He noted that the National School of Government has been expanding its executive education programmes for elected officials and executive managers. These programmes include formal learning sessions delivered by experts, high-level masterclasses, and seminars on various topics such as ethics and economic governance.
“These involve formal learning programmes delivered by renowned experts, high-level masterclasses and seminars on issues ranging from the art of execution to ethics and economic governance,” said Ramaphosa.
Insulating Public Service from Political Interference
The President also addressed the need to protect public servants from undue political interference and vested interests. He advocated for a commitment to the policies of the government of the day, transcending all political and ideological affiliations.
“Within the public service, professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the policies of the government of the day must transcend all political and ideological affiliations,” he emphasized.
Learning from the Past
Reflecting on the past, President Ramaphosa pointed out the lessons learned from state capture and the vulnerabilities of the public sector to interference by private business interests. He stressed the importance of preventing such occurrences in the future and actively guarding against executive overreach.
“State capture provided a bitter lesson on the vulnerabilities of the public sector to interference by private business interests. As the Government of National Unity, as a country, we must ensure that this never happens again,” he stated.
Collaboration and Cooperation
President Ramaphosa called on all formations within the GNU to work together to build a capable state. He expressed confidence that continued collaboration and cooperation could transform the public service into a powerful driver of service delivery, economic growth, and development.
“If we continue along the path of collaboration and cooperation, the Government of National Unity has the means and political will to transform the public service into a powerful driver of service delivery, economic growth, and development,” he concluded.
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