The Public Service Commission (PSC) is celebrating 100 years of Public Service evolution and transformation. As part of celebrating 100 years of existence, the PSC will be conducting awareness campaign with the primary aim of educating the citizenry about its products and services.
The National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH) which is managed by the PSC for example, is a vehicle that members of the public can use to report corruption and related activities experienced in the Public Service. The NACH (0800 701 701) is available 24 hours and offers anonymity and all official languages are available.
The members of the public can also report to the PSC any dissatisfaction regarding an act or omission within the Public Service, which adversely affects or may adversely affect a person, or maybe detrimental to public administration. It is however important that where possible, a complaint can be raised and a solution sought with the relevant organ of state before being referred to the PSC. Complaints with regards to the following can be lodged with the PSC:
- Maladministration
- Standard of service provided
- Dishonesty or improper dealings with regard to public money
- Behaviour, competency, diligence or attitude of staff
- Any form of discrimination, e.g. nepotism, etc.
As an independent body established in terms of Section 195 of the Constitution of 1996 as well as a champion of public administration excellence in democratic governance, the PSC takes the above-mentioned matters in a very serious light because the Constitution allows the PSC to speak truth to power without fear or favour.
The powers and functions of the PSC include amongst others to promote constitutional values and principles in the Public Service (Section 195); investigate, monitor and evaluate the organisation and administration, and the personnel practices of the Public Service; propose measures to ensure effective and efficient performance within the Public Service; give directives aimed at ensuring that personnel procedures (recruitment, transfer, promotions and dismissals) comply with the Basic Values and Principles and report on activities to the National Assembly and to Provincial Legislature(s) in respect of activities in provinces.
The work of the PSC is structured around six key performance areas – listed below.
- Labour Relations Improvement - conduct investigative research and provides advice on complaints, grievances, labour relations practices and policies.
- Leadership and Human Resource Review - promote a high standard of Public Service leadership and encourage best practices in human resource policies.
- Governance Monitoring - promote good governance and improve governance practices in the Public Service.
- Service Delivery and Compliance Evaluations - promote improved service delivery through public participation and monitoring of quality audits.
- Public Administration Investigations - undertake audits and investigations into public administration practices.
- Professional Ethics - promote a high standard of ethical conduct among public servants and contribute to preventing and combating corruption.
As part of its work, the PSC produces research reports on an annual basis aimed at contributing to good governance in the Public Service. These reports are tabled in Parliament and Provincial Legislatures across the country. For example in the area of Integrity and Anti-Corruption, the PSC produced the report on Measuring the Effectiveness of the National Anti-Corruption Hotline: Third Biennial Report.
The Report examined the number and nature of cases received, success achieved and constraints experienced in the management of NACH from 01 September 2004 to 31 August 2010. An analysis of the cases of alleged corruption received showed amongst others that 65% of the cases were reported by anonymous callers or informants through the toll free number.
Twenty percent (20%) of the cases were reported by callers who were willing to disclose their personal details. The number of anonymous allegations received during 2009/10 has increased from 40% to 65% compared to period 2007/08. This could be an indication that members of the public and public servants are still afraid of victimisation and intimidation by those involved in corrupt activities.
In the area of Monitoring and Evaluation, the PSC produced the Citizen Talk - a Citizen Satisfaction Survey Report. The Report noted amongst others that the service users of the participating departments were satisfied with the outcome of service delivery. This implies that they received the government services they required.
However, it was worrying that the receipt of such services was marred by challenges such as redress mechanisms, which were perceived to be poor, the time it took for them to receive such services, accessibility of the services, the provision of information on the services rendered as well as the courtesy displayed by the public servants when providing services.
The PSC in Limpopo will be engaging with the local media about its products and services.
For any products and services offered by the PSC in Limpopo, please contact or visit the PSC Regional Office at Kirk Patrick Building, 40 Schoeman Street, Polokwane; Tel: 015 291 4783; or Fax: 015 291 4683.
For enquiries please contact:
Mr Humphrey Ramafoko
Director: Communication and Information Services
Tel: 012 352 1196;
Cell: 082 782 1730
E-mail: humpreyr@opsc.gov.za
Ricardo Mahlakanya
Deputy Director: External Communication
Tel: 012 352 1070
Cell: 079 769 7955
E-mail: RicardoM@opsc.gov.za
