ActionSA Welcomes the Stance on Professionalising the Public Service

ActionSA commends the Minister of Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, for his steadfast decision to uphold the integrity of our public service by rejecting the request to bypass minimum qualifications required under the Public Service Act, as reported in the Sunday Times. This bold decision exemplifies a firm commitment to the professionalisation of the public service and establishes a clear precedent for all departments to follow.

We wholeheartedly welcome this decisive stance, which aligns with our policy on the Professionalisation of the Public Service adopted at our policy conference last September. We firmly believe that appointing qualified and competent individuals—free from political interference—is essential for building a public service that prioritises professionalism, skill, and ethical governance over political loyalty and cadre deployment.

However, the minister’s commendable action must be the starting point for a comprehensive overhaul of the public service, particularly in the Northern Cape, where nepotism runs rampant. In the Health Department, the “Hollywood” Department, for example, senior managers have acted in positions for over two years, creating administrative instability as unqualified junior managers are promoted based on personal connections rather than merit. This culture of political allegiance, coupled with the repeated re-advertisement of posts to block qualified candidates, perpetuates dysfunction and undermines service delivery. The department is teeming with competent individuals who are continually overlooked in favour of political loyalists.

Andrew Louw Stated, “Minister Buthelezi’s commitment to upholding the standards of the Public Service Act is not only a victory for good governance but a call to action for other government departments to restore professionalism and integrity. The people of this province deserve a public service that is both fit for purpose and free from political loyalists who are prepared to serve this province with distinction.”

ActionSA will relentlessly advocate for a public service free from the scourge of cadre deployment. We demand the immediate implementation of merit-based recruitment practices to restore credibility and efficiency. Under the current administration, the culture of cronyism will only continue to thrive.

ActionSA will also be writing to the Minister of Public Service to demand intervention in the chaos within the Health Department. Only by placing the right people in the right positions can we ensure a public service that fulfils its promises and serves the citizens of this province with transparency, accountability, and excellence.

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