The Public Service Commission (PSC) says it is struggling to meet its mandate due to a host of challenges including resource constraints, outdated legislation and limited stakeholder collaboration.
According to the Chairperson of the Commission, Salmaan Jacobs, these issues have severely impacted the Commission’s ability to fulfill its mandate efficiently and effectively.
“The main challenges faced by the Commission included inadequate human resources and operating resources, an organisational structure that is misaligned from the mandate, inadequate or outdated legislation, and lack of stakeholder collaboration on several fronts,” he said.
He further explained that misaligned organisational structures are also a significant impediment to addressing new operational realities.
Similarly, the existing human resource frameworks across government ministries, agencies, and regional councils are outdated, failing to meet the evolving needs of public service delivery.
The decentralisation process, meant to transfer activities and resources to regional councils, remains in the delegation phase, with seconded staff still under their respective line ministries.
The PSC urged the government to expedite the transition to the devolution phase to ensure seamless service delivery.
“In accordance with the Decentralisation Enabling Act, activities are transferred to regional councils together with staff members and resources. The transfer of staff members from line ministries to regional councils are taking place through secondment during the delegation phase,” Jacobs said.
He also mentioned that the slow pace of reviewing the Public Service Act, harmonising public service regulations, and reforming the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS) has drawn criticism.
During the reporting period, the PSC recommended 216 deviations for financial assistance, primarily for life-threatening conditions like cancer, kidney failure and heart disease.
The PSC conducted 26 human resource audits, covering 1,637 files out of 25,744 staff members. Leave management emerged as the most prevalent anomaly, prompting the PSC to call for strengthened policies across government offices, ministries and regional councils.
Furthermore, nine misconduct cases were declared null and void due to procedural errors, highlighting the need for capacity-building initiatives for HR practitioners and public servants handling such cases.
Jacobs also said that to address these challenges, the PSC is focusing on key strategic areas, including increasing its visibility, enhancing stakeholder engagement, building capacity within human resources, and professionalising its operations.
The Commission also seeks a dedicated budget to meet its objectives effectively.
“Budget Provision for the Commission to carry out their mandate and functions optimally and impartially, the PSC should have its own budget vote that is responsive to their mandate, objectives and targets,” he said.
