Public Servants Association (PSA)
By Mpho Moloi
The Public Servants Association (PSA), representing more than 240,000 public-sector employees, acknowledges President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on 6 February 2025. Whilst the PSA welcomes the President’s emphasis on unity, cooperation, and economic recovery, the Union remains concerned about the practical implementation of key policies, particularly those that directly impact public servants and the broader working class.
The President’s announcement that the remains of 14 South African soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo will be returned home is acknowledged as a meaningful step towards closure for their loved ones and a recognition of their service to the nation. The PSA honours the courage and sacrifice of these soldiers.
However, beyond symbolic gestures and broad policy pronouncements, the PSA stresses that urgent and effective action is needed to address South Africa’s deepening service delivery crisis, ongoing corruption, and challenges within the public sector.
A Capable Public Service Needs More Than Promises
In his 2025 SONA, President Ramaphosa highlighted the need for a “capable and competent state, underpinned by a professional public service.” To achieve this, the government pledged to strengthen the role of the Public Service Commission in the appointment of key officials, such as Directors-General and CEOs of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). Additionally, a graduate recruitment scheme will be introduced to attract talented individuals into public service.
While these efforts are welcomed, the PSA argues that without concrete measures to address systemic issues such as understaffing, wage stagnation, and the erosion of collective bargaining rights, the state’s vision of a professional and ethical public service will remain unattainable.
The PSA further notes that many public servants continue to face significant challenges, including inadequate working conditions and increasing workloads due to persistent staff shortages. “Any efforts to professionalise the public service must include fair and equitable compensation, job security, and meaningful engagement with unions,” the PSA stated.
Service Delivery Failures and Municipal Reform
One of the most pressing concerns raised by the PSA is the deterioration of service delivery at the municipal level. Ramaphosa acknowledged that “many municipalities lack the technical skills and resources required to meet people’s needs,” leading to unmaintained roads, disrupted water and electricity supply, and uncollected refuse.
To address this, the government has committed to working with municipalities to establish professionally managed, ring-fenced utilities for water and electricity services. These efforts aim to ensure that funds meant for infrastructure maintenance are used effectively, rather than being lost to mismanagement or corruption.
While the PSA welcomes these measures, it stresses that their success hinges on “strong accountability and a commitment to eliminating political interference in these essential services.” Without proper governance and management, these initiatives risk being undermined, leading to continued service delivery failures.
Investing in Infrastructure and Economic Growth
Government’s announcement of a R940 billion investment in infrastructure over the next three years is seen as a positive step towards economic recovery. The PSA acknowledges that infrastructure development is crucial for economic growth, but warns that “it will not be sufficient to address South Africa’s high unemployment rate.”
A more holistic approach is needed to ensure that these investments translate into sustainable job creation. While the government has outlined various economic transformation initiatives, including a R20 billion transformation fund for Black-owned businesses and SMEs, the PSA insists that their success will depend on “transparent management, accessibility to deserving businesses, and ensuring fair competition.”
Public Servants Deserve Fair Wages and Job Security
The PSA remains deeply concerned about continued delays in resolving wage disputes and implementing collective agreements. “Public servants deserve the security and respect that comes with being treated fairly in the workplace,” the Union stated.
The government’s failure to adequately address wage stagnation and job security is eroding trust between public servants and the state. The PSA warns that without meaningful negotiations and agreements that protect workers’ rights, morale within the public sector will continue to decline, further impacting service delivery.
Fighting Corruption: A Critical Test for Government
Corruption remains one of South Africa’s biggest obstacles to development and economic progress. The President reaffirmed government’s commitment to fostering ethical leadership and addressing state capture. However, the PSA believes that “more decisive action is needed to hold accountable those implicated in financial mismanagement and corruption, especially at state-owned enterprises.”
The Union argues that public servants, who work tirelessly to uphold service delivery, “should not bear the brunt of leadership failures and systemic inefficiencies.” The government’s ability to implement real reforms in combating corruption will be a critical test of its commitment to ethical governance.
Balancing Digital Transformation with Basic Services
The PSA welcomes efforts to modernise South Africa’s digital public infrastructure, but stresses that many citizens still struggle to access basic services such as water, electricity, and healthcare. “Digital transformation should not replace physical service delivery but rather complement it to ensure accessibility for all South Africans,” the Union noted.
Public-sector workers are essential to making these services accessible and effective, and their role should not be diminished by an over-reliance on digital solutions.
Water Crisis: Urgent Action Needed
Another critical issue raised in the President’s SONA was South Africa’s worsening water crisis. Government committed to investing in water resources and expediting delayed projects such as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the uMkhomazi Dam.
The PSA, however, warns that “effective oversight is essential to prevent corruption and inefficiencies that have historically plagued water infrastructure projects.” Transparent and accountable management is critical to ensuring that these investments lead to a sustainable and reliable water supply for all South Africans.
Economic Transformation and Job Creation
The PSA supports government’s focus on economic transformation and job creation but stresses that long-term job creation will require structural changes to the economy. The Union highlights the need to focus on high-growth industries such as renewable energy, green manufacturing, and the digital economy.
“The success of initiatives like the R20 billion transformation fund for Black-owned businesses and SMEs will depend on transparent management, fair access, and ensuring that funds reach deserving entrepreneurs,” the PSA stated.
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