Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
5 February 2024 | 14:00 CAT
2 min read

The New South Institute (NSI) has noted a significant shift in the organisation of the South African government, particularly in administrative aspects, after years of inertia. The Public Service Amendment Bill, which is currently pending approval in parliament, has significant implications.

Director of the New South Institute (NSI), Dr Ivor Chipkin, highlighted that if passed, the Bill aims to modernise and professionalise the South African public service by reducing the influence of politicians in the appointment process of departments and operational decisions.

According to the NSI, the Bill aims to reduce political influence over appointments and operational decisions and promote autonomy and capability in public administration.

The NSI called for the amendment of Section 3 of the Public Service Act to address power imbalances and conflicts between political, oversight, and operational roles.

The proposed changes are seen as a breakthrough since 1994, offering tangible solutions to improve service delivery and address systemic issues.

The NSI has also called on political parties to unite in supporting the approval of the Bill, emphasising the importance of prioritising the people’s interests and resolving issues contributing to poor service delivery.

Chipkin believes that the ANC and other key parties are delaying the passage of this Bill since they realised it would limit their ability to influence appointments of operations in key departments.

Chipkin urges all South African citizens to support and drive the Bill forward. “We, as the public, can support the Bill, bring attention to it and promote it, so that we can start the next parliamentary session with a fundamentally different framework of Public Administration in South Africa,” he said.

Chipkin emphasized the fundamental nature of this bill and stated that the NSI intends to highlight its importance. “It is crucial that we pass this bill as it affects the provision of public hospital services, access to clean water, supply of electricity, and other essential public services. Public citizens must come together to support this bill and ensure its swift passage,” he added.

The NSI expressed confidence that adopting the Public Service Amendment Bill will contribute to a more efficient, responsive, and people-centric government.

Chipkin stated that the Bill has been on the agenda for a while, but it still has a long way to go.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and the Director of the New South Institute (NSI), Dr Ivor Chipkin, here.