Decisive action needed

THE discovery that 721 of the country’s most senior public servants are moonlighting without disclosing it is both welcome and lamentable.

It is heartening that the Public Service Commission (PSC) has investigated and unearthed this serious misconduct. It shows official determination to combat the shady dealings that have damaged South Africa so much, and stirs hope that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s New Dawn of government probity and efficiency seems to be gaining traction.

The dismal side is that so many on the public payroll continue to palm millions surreptitiously while supposedly serving South Africans, in spite of repeated and widely publicised instructions against this.

Blank declaration forms from senior public servants necessitated PSC checks between January and March this year, individual probes that would have required manpower, diligence and time – a costly and complex undertaking. The extent of the undesirable practices it found points to the monumental task facing Ramaphosa in cleaning up the government.

It will take years, great stamina and the will to be ruthless wherever the rot is found.

The PSC found 721 senior managers had failed to disclosed directorships of companies. They are part of a total of 1 943 public service managers who are directors of private and public companies. Then there were hundreds of senior officials doing remunerative work outside the public service, 22 in KwaZulu-Natal – 14 of them with written approval.

Another declaration aimed at restoring government integrity involves gift recipients. In the provinces, KZN topped the list: 30 top officials including two directors-general, two deputy DGs, five chief directors and 21 directors received gifts worth close to R900 000.

This amounts to an average of R30 000 for each recipient, handsome gifts indeed. It suggests an immediate step by the PSC, if it has not already taken it: prohibit the rubber-stamping of declarations. The mere act of declaring other jobs, remuneration and gifts is not enough and should not be an indemnity. The PSC has to satisfy itself over conflicts of interest and guard against overgenerous gifts, in every case.

The PSC wants Ramaphosa and the provincial premiers to act against the culprits it has found. They must, if the New Dawn is to have substance and enjoy continuing public confidence.