JOHANNESBURG — South Africa has achieved significant milestones in its ongoing efforts to reform and professionalize its public service, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in his weekly newsletter to the nation. The President outlined recent legislative and policy advancements as critical steps toward creating a more capable and efficient state, highlighting their alignment with the recommendations of the State Capture Commission.
According to South African Government News Agency, the National Assembly recently passed two pivotal pieces of legislation—the Public Administration Management Amendment Bill and the Public Service Amendment Bill. These bills are now set to be reviewed by the National Council of Provinces. Additionally, the Department of Public Service and Administration issued a new directive to aid departments in implementing a professionalization framework for the public service.
These developments aim to enhance the functioning of the public service by ensuring the appointment of qualified individuals and providing them with the necessary support to perform effectively. The President emphasized the directive’s requirement for senior management candidates to complete a comprehensive pre-entry program, Nyukela, facilitated by the National School of Government. This program is designed to imbue prospective senior managers with the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required for successful leadership in public administration.
Furthermore, the reforms introduce measures to foster continuous learning and development among public servants, including mandatory induction programs for new employees and regular re-orientation for existing staff. A significant allocation of departmental budgets toward training underscores the commitment to enhancing skills within the public sector.
The President also addressed efforts to close skills gaps in infrastructure and frontline service departments, noting the completion of the first phase of a skills audit in collaboration with the Human Sciences Research Council. The audit identified critical areas for improvement, such as modern engineering practices and sustainable construction methods.
In a move to attract young talent, the requirement for work experience has been waived for entry-level positions in the public service, coupled with an emphasis on in-service training and graduate recruitment schemes.
Additionally, the legislation seeks to minimize political interference in government administration by clearly distinguishing the roles and powers of elected officials and professional public servants. This delineation aims to prevent corruption and ensure a more efficient public service.
The President further highlighted that these reforms would enhance coordination and accountability within the public service, facilitating the transfer of skilled personnel across different government levels. Moreover, measures to combat corruption include prohibitions on public servants accepting certain positions post-employment and the development of a central register to track dismissals and resignations related to disciplinary actions.
These comprehensive reforms represent a significant effort by the South African government to build a more effective, responsive, and accountable state, underscoring a collective commitment to improving public service delivery and governance.
PRETORIA — The South African government has outlined a comprehensive schedule of events and initiatives set for the week of 04 March to 07 March 2024, focusing on human rights, rural development, public health, and energy.
According to South African Government News Agency, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Department of Justice and Correctional Services, the week will kick off with the launch of the 2024 Human Rights Month at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre on Monday, 04 March. This event marks the beginning of a month dedicated to reflecting on South Africa’s progress in human rights since the end of apartheid.
On the same day, Nonkqubela Pieters, the Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, will distribute industrial machines, agricultural inputs, and tools to business owners in Bathurst. This initiative aims to support local entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape.
Monday also coincides with World Obesity Day, a global observance that highlights the growing concern of obesity worldwide and its impacts on public health.
Throughout the week, from 04 March to 07 March, the Department of Employment and Labour will offer a range of its services to the communities of eMalahleni Local Municipality in Mpumalanga, bringing essential government services closer to the people.
On Tuesday, 05 March, the Electoral Commission is set to launch its annual Civic and Democracy Education campaign in tertiary institutions across Limpopo. The campaign focuses on enhancing youth understanding and participation in South Africa’s democratic processes, aiming to foster a more engaged and informed electorate among the country’s youth.
In the realm of energy and natural resources, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, will deliver a keynote address at the 16th annual edition of Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town on Tuesday. The conference serves as a significant platform for discussing Africa’s energy sector, exploring sustainable solutions to the continent’s energy challenges.
The week’s activities will culminate on Thursday, 7 March, with the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo in eMalahleni Local Municipality, Nkangala District, Mpumalanga. This event represents a direct engagement between the government and the community, aimed at addressing local issues and fostering development in the region.
These diverse activities reflect the South African government’s commitment to addressing key issues such as human rights, rural development, public health, civic engagement, and energy sustainability, marking a week of significant outreach and engagement across multiple sectors.
BLOEMFONTEIN — Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana has declared a significant focus on reducing unemployment within the province, highlighting key initiatives and achievements in his recent State of the Province Address.
According to South African Government News Agency, the unemployment rate in Free State experienced a decline from 38.5% in the third quarter of 2023 to 37% in the fourth quarter. This improvement was attributed to various programs, including the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which aim to spur economic growth and create job opportunities.
Since 2019, the Free State has created 282,907 work opportunities, surpassing its five-year target of 260,000 through the EPWP. The Presidential Employment Stimulus further contributed by creating 87,357 job opportunities, supporting 24,733 livelihoods, and retaining 1,680 jobs between April and December 2023. Among these opportunities were positions for 6,964 Education Assistants and 8,285 General School Assistants in the Department of Education, emphasizing the province’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment.
Premier Dukwana emphasized the importance of the agricultural sector in ensuring food security, job creation, poverty alleviation, and rural development. Initiatives are underway to establish Free State as a leader in the agricultural green revolution, with 4,543 producers trained and 249 students graduating from the Glen Agricultural College. Efforts include facilitating 19,023 export certificates, rehabilitating 29,419 hectares of land, and cultivating 987 hectares using conservation practices to boost organic production.
The province is also focused on availing land for farming to youth, women, people with disabilities, and military veterans. Investment is being increased to support the commercialization of black farmers, enhance agro-logistics infrastructure, and open new markets.
Additionally, the Free State is working to become a central hub for energy logistics, distribution, and beneficiation, leveraging its natural resources, including natural gas, solar, coal, ethanol, wind, uranium, hydropower, and hydrogen.
Premier Dukwana reflected on 2024 marking 30 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa, emphasizing the progress made and the ongoing commitment to improving the living conditions of South Africans and fostering shared economic growth. He stressed the province’s dedication to overcoming the challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality and expressed optimism for the Free State’s future development and inclusivity.