South Africa has been on a long journey of reforming its public service, but serious problems persist. The Madlanga Commission of inquiry into corruption in the police and security forces highlighted the urgency for change in September 2026. The chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Somadoda Fikeni, expressed concerns about the state of governance and accountability, citing a culture of impunity that benefits officials at the expense of the public.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Public Service Commission Act into law, completing a trio of public sector reforms. The new legislation aims to close gaps in accountability and promote a high standard of professional ethics. The Act, along with the Public Service Amendment Act 9 of 2025 and the Public Administration Management Amendment Act 7 of 2025, seeks to transform the public administration system.
The three laws make significant changes to the rules governing public administration, including who exercises administrative authority, how senior administrators are held accountable, and how public servants are developed. They also address conflicts of interest and protect constitutional values governing public administration. However, the real test lies in whether these changes will alter how authority is exercised and appointments are made.
The foundation for the new laws is section 195 of the country’s constitution, which requires the promotion and maintenance of a high standard of professional ethics and efficient use of public resources. Section 196 gives the Public Service Commission the power to promote these values and principles throughout the public service. The work of the late Stan Sangweni, who chaired the Public Service Commission from 1999 to 2009, is relevant to the new laws.
The new legislation responds to the commission's concerns about protecting merit in appointments, holding senior administrators accountable, and managing the boundary between political authority and administration. The laws also address the National Development Plan: Vision 2030 chapter on building a capable and developmental state, which called for a professional public service and stronger technical and specialist skills.
The Public Service Amendment Act changes the balance of authority inside departments, giving heads of department more powers, including appointment authority. The Public Administration Management Amendment Act strengthens the statutory position of the National School of Government and integrity provisions. The Public Service Commission Act strengthens the commission itself and extends its mandate to municipalities and public entities.
The significance of these reforms becomes clearer when considered together, as they aim to promote a capable and developmental state. Administrative authority is being moved closer to those who must account for departmental actions, and senior appointments are to be more professional. The machinery for professional education and development is being strengthened, and integrity provisions are being tightened.
Key points
- The new laws aim to promote competent leadership and accountability in South Africa's public service.
- The reforms seek to transform the public administration system and promote a high standard of professional ethics.
- The laws address concerns about governance, accountability, and professionalism in the public service.
