PRETORIA, Gauteng — The Public Service Commission (PSC) has officially released its first-quarter Pulse of the Public Service bulletin, exposing deep-seated challenges within the civil service, including stalled service delivery, a surge in labor grievances, and the systemic non-payment of local suppliers. During a recent media briefing, PSC Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya unpacked the report’s findings, highlighting the urgent need for executive recruitment reforms, robust whistleblower protection, and immediate intervention in government supply chain management.
Professionalizing the Public Service and Executive Recruitment
Addressing the administrative challenges identified in the report, Gxoyiya emphasized the commission’s focus on strengthening executive recruitment. Aligning with Chapter 13 of the National Development Plan and a recent cabinet decision to professionalize the public service, the PSC has developed a comprehensive guide for recruiting senior executives.
To eliminate subjective hiring practices, the commission has also established a database of independent experts to participate in recruitment panels. “We want objective recruitment informed by people who have no vested interest in the public service,” Gxoyiya explained, noting that many current managers occupy positions without adequate management skills.
Strengthening Whistleblower Protection and Anti-Corruption Efforts
The bulletin underscores the ongoing struggle to protect whistleblowers in the public service. To transition from paper pledges to measurable compliance, the PSC is actively engaging with the UNP to strengthen the National Anti-Corruption Hotline. This platform allows citizens and employees to report corruption, malfeasance, and maladministration anonymously.
Furthermore, the commission is working toward establishing a functional “whistleblower house” to provide safe accommodation for individuals whose identities have been compromised while reporting corrupt activities. Gxoyiya stressed that the PSC’s constitutional mandate requires not just the resolution of grievances, but strict follow-through on the implementation of recommendations. The rise in employee grievances, he noted, is actually a positive indicator that public servants are gaining confidence in the commission’s ability to handle their cases correctly and enforce outcomes.
Empowering the PSC: The Pending PSC Bill
A significant development highlighted in the discussion is the Public Service Commission Bill, which has passed all legislative stages and is currently awaiting the President’s signature. Once enacted, the legislation will significantly expand the PSC’s mandate and enforcement capabilities.
Practically, the new act will grant the commission the power to enforce its recommendations, with non-compliant officials potentially being held in contempt of court. Additionally, the PSC’s jurisdiction will expand to include local government, public entities, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs). To manage these tripled responsibilities, the commission will transition from being supported by the Department of Public Service and Administration to operating with its own secretariat directly accountable to the commission.
The Supplier Payment Crisis and Suspected Corruption
One of the most alarming findings in the quarterly report is the widespread non-payment of local suppliers by government departments, with the Department of Justice and the Department of Public Works identified as the worst performers.
While departments cite reasons such as incorrect invoices and budgetary constraints, Gxoyiya dismissed these excuses, noting that suppliers are rarely informed of invoice errors and are left waiting for months. The financial toll on small businesses is severe, with some suppliers losing their homes after using them as collateral to survive the payment delays.
More concerning, the PSC suspects blatant corruption within the supply chain, including demands for a percentage of the invoice before processing. “We have taken a resolution now that we will embark on an own accord investigation to see if there are capacity constraints or blatant corruption,” Gxoyiya stated. He noted that while large corporations use law firms to claim their dues, small suppliers remain silent out of fear of reprisal and losing future government contracts. The PSC has urged service providers to come forward with their invoices to aid the ongoing investigations.
Dilapidated Infrastructure and “Unholy Dealings”
The bulletin also draws attention to the critical state of government infrastructure, emphasizing that functional accommodation is vital for service delivery. Gxoyiya pointed out that public servants cannot be expected to work in dilapidated buildings that pose severe occupational hazards.
In several instances, the Department of Labor has issued prohibition notices declaring buildings unsafe for occupation. Despite these notices—and the resulting inability for employees to access files, computers, and servers locked inside—government departments continue to pay rent to landlords.
Gxoyiya expressed suspicion of “unholy dealings” within the Department of Public Works, questioning why leases are not terminated on unsafe buildings while the state simultaneously rents other properties. He also highlighted the absurdity of state-owned buildings being left abandoned and illegally occupied by the public, while the government spends millions on external rentals instead of maintaining and revamping its own property portfolio.
The PSC assured that it is committed to holding violators of the Public Finance Management Act and Treasury Regulations accountable as it pushes for a more professional, ethical, and efficient public service.
