Empowering the public service: a new dawn of accountability and excellence
In strides toward reshaping the landscape of our public service, the Department of Public Service and Administration has introduced the Directive on Human Resources Management and Development for Public Service Professionalisation. At its core, professionalisation empowers public servants and upholds fundamental human rights, ultimately leading to a culture of excellence.
This directive, based on the National Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service, represents a leap towards a public service that is accountable, efficient, and citizen-centric.
Professionalisation is the cornerstone of our vision for a transformed public sector. It is an opportunity to empower our public servants with the skills, knowledge, and ethical standards necessary to deliver exceptional services to citizens. The
Directive on Human Resources Management and Development is an endeavour that will redefine our public service and establish a culture of excellence.
Also at the core of this directive lies the commitment to meritbased and inclusive recruitment practices. We believe that the strength of our public service lies in attracting and retaining the best talent through transparent and unbiased selection processes. By focusing on qualifications, skills, and competencies, we create a level playing field that ensures fairness and equal opportunities for all. This approach will foster a diverse and dynamic workforce that reflects the true fabric of our nation.
Continuous learning and development are paramount for our public servants to adapt to the evolving demands of service delivery. The directive emphasizes the importance of a culture of lifelong learning, where individuals are encouraged and supported in acquiring new skills and knowledge. By investing in the professional growth of our workforce, we equip them with
the tools needed to navigate complex challenges and provide innovative solutions. This commitment to continuous improvement will enhance the quality and relevance of the services we deliver to the public.
A robust performance management system is essential to cultivate a culture of accountability and excellence. The directive calls for fair, objective, and transparent performance management processes that recognize and reward outstanding performance while addressing underperformance. We aim to create an environment that motivates our public servants to excel and to hold them accountable for their actions by implementing these systems. This will ultimately lead to improved service delivery and restore public confidence in our institutions.
Ethics and integrity are the pillars upon which a professional public service stands. The directive places a strong emphasis on upholding ethical standards and ensuring their rigorous enforcement. We aim to cultivate a culture of integrity and trust by setting clear guidelines and mechanisms for ethical behaviour. Our public servants must act as beacons of integrity, demonstrating a commitment to ethical conduct in all their endeavours. This commitment will restore and reinforce the public's trust in our government institutions.
The Directive represents a turning point in our journey towards a public service that is accountable, efficient, and citizen-centric. It is a call to action for all stakeholders, departments, and public servants to embrace this transformative directive and work collectively to bring about the change our nation deserves. Let us unite in our commitment to a professional, competent, and ethical public service that serves as the driving force behind our country's progress.
Together, we can build a future where our public service stands as a shining example of good governance, meeting the needs and aspirations of our citizens and upholding fundamental human rights. The time for transformation is now, and I am confident that with the implementation of this directive, we will usher in a new era of accountability and excellence in our public service. ❖
Minister Noxolo Kiviet is the Minister for the Public Service and Administration.