|
[ Home ] [
FAQs ]
Single Public Service
What is the Single Public Service about?
The Single Public Service (SPS) is an initiative to harmonise the conditions of service across government, so that government is able to work better. It will promote access to services and assist in instilling an ethos of people-centred service. It will make it easier for government to offer a range of services at a single access point such as a Thusong (community) centre or via the internet.
It will also create channels for dealing with problems that people may have in getting the services to which they are entitled.
[ Top ]
Don’t we already have a single public service?
Currently, from a legal perspective, the Public Service refers to the employees of national and provincial government. The Public Service Act and regulations that apply to these employees, don’t apply to employees of local government (metro, town and district councils).
The Single public Service aims to change this, to create a more cohesive workforce, consisting of all spheres of government. More important, this seeks to build a multi-skilled and mobile workforce, to deliver integrated services where the need exists. The idea is to harmonise the conditions under which government employees (public Servants) work, in whatever department, or whatever sphere of government.
[ Top ]
Won’t this place employees at a disadvantage?
On the contrary. It will offer more work opportunities without losing benefits, such as length of service, pensions and so on. It will enable employees who have acquired skills, but who perhaps do not see opportunity for advancement within their current sphere to move into other spheres.
[ Top ]
Will there be a single employer – will the autonomy of departments and local governments be compromised
As above, the different municipalities and government departments will still exist and each will take care of its employees. The SPS legislation will provide guidance on issues of human resource management and development as well as on service standards to sensure that there is fairness in the whole of government and consistency in terms of delivery of services to the people.
[ Top ]
Will the project result in retrenchments because of rationalisation?
As the distinction between departments, spheres and institutions of government will not be affected, the rationalization of departments and institutions is not envisaged within this project. Retrenchment or rationalization is not part of this programme.
[ Top ]
How will the SPS enhance capacity in local government
One of the challenges in the delivery of basic services is a shortage of management and leadership skills. Through the Single Public Service it will be much easier to move skills from other spheres into local government, and between different local government structures.
[ Top ]
Will employees in local government be adversely affected by the SPS?The conditions of service of employees in municipalities will not be less favourable as a result of the SPS. One of the aims of the SPS is to align the conditions of service within the three spheres of government, where appropriate, to ensure mobility of employees and to promote stability in employment. Employees transferred within the Single Public Service will not suffer any reduction in salary and their service will be regarded as continuous, in line with the Labour Relations Act principle that the conditions of service of transferring staff may not become less favourable.
[ Top ]
Is the single Public Service not a ‘one size fits all’ approach to employment practice and remunerationThe Single Public Service aims to make sure that future salaries of government employees doing the same job are the same. This is to make the salary system fair. However, government recognises that all people with the same job title do not necessarily have the same duties or levels of responsibility and this will be taken into account. The principle in terms of Human resource management is fairness and equity to ensure that the employment management system operates on an equitable basis throughout government. It also will allow for a harmonized system of performance standards, against which performance can be evaluated so as to ensure that those who deliver good or outstanding service are acknowledged, rewarded appropriately and retained within the service
[ Top ]
Has there been adequate consultation on the SPS?
The SPS project is undertaking an extensive consultation, stakeholder engagement and communications programme. There is on-going consultation with labour, NEDLAC and is holding workshops with a broad range of stakeholders.
[ Top ]
Why is this project taking so long to implement
The SPS is a far-reaching public service transformation process. Extensive research needs to be undertaken in terms of conditions of service, remuneration across and within the spheres and such far-reaching reform requires a meaningful and extensive stakeholder engagement and consultation process. In terms of the government Programme of Action the Bill is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament in April 2008. The bill is available on the DPSA website.
[ Top ]
Last modified: 29 August 2007 08:43:22.
|
