ANC civil servants are doing South Africa a disservice

Although one can understand, to an extent, that the ANC government wanted to fill most civil service positions with active party loyalists after 1994, it has now become increasingly evident that the chaos and weak links in administration at central, provincial and especially local government level have become the cause of the problems that have led to rampant corruption, inefficiencyand stability failure.

One need only be aware of the number of senior staff in acting positions and the frequency of suspensions. With each suspension it becomes necessary for the new appointee to get to know the ropes and acquaint themselves with the tasks that their new position demands, leading to inevitable delays.

The political infighting in the KwaZulu-Natal ANC and the political murders in that province create a culture of insecurity — especially among staff members. Political appointees are not necessarily the most efficient, experienced and capable public servants, and they constantly have to watch their political backs.

It is high time that civil service staff are appointed according to their professional ability to run an administration effectively — and they should preferably be politically neutral and free from political interference.

If that were the case, the economy would improve, investment would increase, and productive employment would benefit all South Africans.