by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG – PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa is confident of efforts by government to enhance professionalism in South Africa’s public service.

Public consultations have been underway for the past fortnight on a key policy document to enhance the civil service.

The president said the draft National Implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service aimed to build a state that better served people and was insulated from undue political interference and where appointments are made on merit.

Cabinet approved the framework was endorsed in November last year.

It is structured in consultation with various sectors of society.

Ramaphosa, writing in his weekly letter on Monday, said the public service must consist of individuals that are professional and qualified.

“They must be committed to upholding the values of the Constitution, faithfully serve no other cause than that of the public.”

Ramaphosa lamented that some civil servants were promoted to key positions without qualifications.

“This affects government performance, but also contributes to nepotism, political interference in the work of departments, lack of accountability, mismanagement and corruption.”

The president said capacitating public service officials would drive development and consolidate democracy.

“This is our best guarantee of a capable state that serves the interests of citizens,” Ramaphosa said.

– CAJ News