Ramaphosa: Passing of draft legislation to professionalise public service will 'reduce undue political influence'

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa said the passing of draft legislation to professionalise the public service will reduce "undue political influence".

Ramaphosa said the Public Service Amendment Bill makes a clear distinction between the powers of elected officials - such as Ministers, and professional public servants like DGs and HODs.

Writing in his newsletter, the President noted the passing of the Public Administration Management Amendment Bill and the Public Service Amendment Bill which will now go to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for consideration.

Ramaphosa has welcomed the passing of the two pieces of legislation which will regulate the public service.

The Public Service Amendment Bill proposes amendments to the Public Service Act to give effect to various court decisions affecting public administration.

Ramaphosa said an important change proposed in the legislation is to prohibit a head of department or an employee directly reporting to them from holding political office.

He said this is to strengthen the distinction between political and administrative roles, something that has been unclear previously.

The president added that the draft legislation will also enable the transfer of public servants between national and provincial governments and municipalities.

This will help to ensure that people with technical and scarce skills and capabilities can be moved to where they will have the greatest impact.