The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) in South Africa has been struggling to fill its top job, with the position of director-general remaining vacant since February 2025. The department, responsible for promoting ethical leadership and sound organisational practices, has been without a permanent leader for almost two years. Minister Mzamo Buthelezi recently provided an update on the recruitment process, which has faced several setbacks.
According to Minister Buthelezi's written reply to a parliamentary question, an advert for the position was published on April 25 last year. However, the shortlisting process was delayed due to the unavailability of ministers on the selection panel. A quorum was not reached on January 14 this year, and a new panel was constituted on February 27. The panel decided to re-advertise the post due to a limited number of suitable applicants.
The position was re-advertised on May 15, with a closing date of June 1. The department is now hoping to fill the position by early next year, once the necessary government processes are complete. The recruitment process is expected to take four months, during which time interviews, psychometric tests, and pre-employment screening will be conducted.
The DPSA is not the only government department facing leadership challenges. At least 12 out of 42 government departments are operating without permanent heads, including key service delivery departments such as health, justice, and transport. Departments under the direct control of the presidency, such as the State Security Agency, are also being run by acting directors-general.
Public Service Commission (PSC) chair Somadoda Fikeni has expressed concerns about the impact of prolonged acting positions on the public service. He told the Madlanga commission that the situation is "unfortunate" and can lead to low morale, uncertainty, and short-termism. Fikeni also stated that the PSC has raised the matter with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the portfolio committee on public service and administration.
Fikeni believes that filling vacant positions is not a complex process, citing the simplicity of constituting an interviewing panel with a quorum. He expressed frustration with the explanations offered by ministers, which often cite a lack of suitable candidates or quorum issues. The PSC has requested a meeting with the presidency to discuss the issue and understand the steps being taken to address it.
The prolonged vacancy in the DPSA has raised concerns about the department's ability to effectively promote good governance and leadership in the public service. With several key departments operating without permanent leaders, the government faces challenges in delivering essential services to citizens. The PSC and other stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure that the DPSA and other departments are able to fill their leadership positions in a timely manner.
Key points
- The Department of Public Service and Administration has been without a permanent director-general since February 2025.
- At least 12 government departments are operating without permanent heads.
- The Public Service Commission has expressed concerns about the impact of prolonged acting positions on the public service.
