22 April 2026

The ANC welcomes the signing of the Public Administration Management and Public Service Bills into an Act. These Acts are in line with the State of the Nation Address, in which President Ramaphosa reiterated the government’s resolve to build a capable, ethical, and developmental state. The state that is highly ethical and has moral high ground to adhere to the Batho Pele principles and serve the country’s interests. The Public Service Commission Act is part of policy measures to ensure a more professionalised public sector in the country, whilst the Public Administration Management Act ensures the integrity and uniform reforms in the public sector.

The official enactment of these pieces of legislation into law marks the most important reform to the country’s political administration in three decades. For the first time since the inception of democracy in 1994, the President, Cabinet Ministers, and provincial Members of Executive Councils have handed over responsibility for appointing senior officials and managing day-to-day operations within government departments to the heads of those departments. While these changes appear to be technical, they are profound and will have far-reaching positive effects.

In its 55th National Congress, the ANC had called for the establishment of a strong, ethical, and capable state is necessary to grow the economy and that government must finalise the framework on the professionalisation of the state, which includes integrity testing, meritocracy. The introduction of the Public Service Commission, together with the Public Administration Management Acts, is a step in the right direction. It underscores the commitment of the ANC-led coalition to enforce progressive reforms and improve service delivery to the people.

The Preamble to the South African Constitution of 1996, Section 7(1), establishes the values that should guide the government’s transformation of the public service. These ideals prioritise human dignity, equality, the growth of human rights and liberties, and non-racialism. The Public Service Commission Act seeks to professionalise public workers, ensure human dignity, and require public workers to demonstrate morality and humanity towards their colleagues, stakeholders, and citizens.

The Public Administration and Public Service Commission Acts both address the management and regulation of public resources, as well as the setting of professional standards in the public service. Both laws seek to ensure that public administration adheres to the Constitution while also maintaining professionalism. They also address public servant appointment and career management, policy execution, and public officials’ accountability.

The ANC welcomes these Acts, the Public Service Commission and Public Administration Management Amendment Act, which signify a major advancement in the continuous effort to professionalize the public service, improve efficiency, and more effectively meet the needs of the citizens of South Africa.

Issued by the Whip of the ANC Study Group on Public Service and Administration, Cde Pretty Xaba- Ntshaba

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