The assent to the Public Service Amendment Act, 2025 presents an important moment for
reflection for me, not only as a public representative, but as a deployee of the ANC and a participant in the long journey of the national democratic revolution.
I write this as a personal view, shaped by my understanding of the ANC, its historic mission, and its enduring commitment to building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
The national democratic revolution has always been a dynamic process. It has moved
through different phases, responding to the realities of each period while remaining
grounded in the foundational vision of the Freedom Charter that the people shall govern,
and that the state must be an instrument in their service. From 1994, our task was not only to democratise the state, but to transform it into a vehicle capable of delivering social and economic justice.
Building a capable state
Central to this mission has always been the building of a capable state. The ANC has
consistently raised its voice against corruption, inefficiency, and weak administration,
recognising that without strong institutions, even the best policies cannot translate into
meaningful change in the lives of our people. The call for a professional, responsive and
accountable public service has, therefore, never been incidental, but has been at the heart of our policy direction.
It is in this context that I view the signing of the Public Service Amendment Act as a
significant milestone in the evolution of the national democratic revolution. It reflects an
organisation that is willing to assess itself, to review its progress, and to take deliberate
steps to correct course where necessary. It acknowledges that while progress has been
made since 1994, the pace and depth of transformation have at times been constrained by
both historical legacies and contemporary challenges.
Reforms bolster political executive
This Act signals that we are moving with greater clarity and intent towards what we have
always envisaged, a capable state that is effective, accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. It is a recognition that the system we inherited required continuous reform, and that transformation is not a once-off event, but an ongoing process.
Importantly, the reforms introduced through this Act must not be misunderstood as
diminishing the role of the political executive. On the contrary, they strengthen it.
By clarifying the distinct but complementary roles of executive authorities and heads of
department, the Act sharpens governance and enhances accountability.
This approach is not new. It resonates with the framework already established in the Public
Finance Management Act, where heads of department serve as accounting officers
responsible for administration, while MECs and ministers provide strategic direction, policy
leadership and oversight. Where this relationship is underpinned by professionalism,
mutual respect and a shared commitment to service delivery, the state functions as it
should.
People at centre of governance
The amendment therefore deepens this governance model. It allows political leaders to
focus on what they are mandated to do, to lead, to provide vision, and to ensure
accountability, while enabling administrative heads to execute with clarity and
responsibility.
At its core, this reform is about strengthening the state. It is about ensuring that systems are in place to prevent abuse, to enhance efficiency, and to build public confidence in
government. It is about placing the people at the centre of governance, where they have
always belonged.
As the ANC, this is a position we must own. The Act is not a departure from our policy
trajectory, but a continuation of it. It reflects our long-standing commitment to building a
capable state and advancing the objectives of the national democratic revolution. It
demonstrates that we remain responsive to the challenges we face, and that we are
prepared to take decisive action in pursuit of our goals.
Implementation is key
Ultimately, legislation alone cannot achieve transformation. It requires disciplined
leadership, ethical conduct, and a collective commitment to serve. The success of this Act
will depend on how we implement it, and whether we remain true to the principles that
have guided us throughout our journey.
This moment calls for renewed focus and unity of purpose. It calls for us to recommit to the
ideals of the Freedom Charter, and to continue building a state that truly works for the
people.
In this regard, the Public Service Amendment Act stands as both a milestone and a
reminder – a milestone in the evolution of our governance system, and a reminder of the
responsibility we carry to complete the work of transformation.
- Lenkopane is MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism in North West province.
- The Public Service Amendment Act, 2025 is viewed as a significant milestone in the ongoing national democratic revolution focused on building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
- The Act reinforces the ANC's long-standing commitment to tackling corruption, inefficiency, and weak administration by strengthening governance and accountability within the public service.
- It clarifies and enhances the complementary roles of political executives and administrative heads, promoting professional and accountable service delivery without diminishing political leadership.
- The reform aims to place people at the center of governance by improving systems to prevent abuse, boost efficiency, and build public trust in government.
- Successful transformation depends on effective implementation, disciplined leadership, and alignment with the principles of the Freedom Charter, emphasizing continuous progress rather than a one-time reform.
