PRETORIA — The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has announced the release of Volume 1 of the Directive on Human Resources Management and Development for Public Service Professionalisation. This initiative is part of President Cyril Ramaphosa's commitment to strengthening the public service in the wake of findings from the State Capture Report.
According to South African Government News Agency, the directive aims to mold a professional and efficient public service that aligns with the needs and expectations of South Africans. The DPSA marks the issuance of this directive as a critical step toward improving the public service's effectiveness, integrity, and accountability.
The directive outlines strategies for implementing the Professionalisation Framework, part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency within the public sector. This is particularly crucial in light of financial constraints that threaten the quality and accessibility of public services. It emphasizes strategic practices in human resources management and development, including recruitment and selection, performance management, ethics, integrity, leadership, and innovation. Moreover, the directive aims to transform the public service into an environment conducive to continuous learning and professional development.
Accessible online at the DPSA's official website, the directive also addresses youth development and employment by waiving experience requirements for entry-level positions, facilitating the electronic submission of job applications, and allowing departments to verify qualifications through academic records from higher education institutions, even if certificates are withheld due to outstanding student debts. This approach aligns with President Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SONA) commitment to easing the youth's entry into the job market.
By implementing these measures, the DPSA intends to address historical injustices and promote the socio-economic rights of South Africans. The directive, approved by Minister for the Public Service and Administration Thulas Nxesi, is set to take effect on April 1, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to reform and professionalize its public service.