Draft National Implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service Submission of Public Comments

PARI supports the South African government's goal to professionalise the public service but argues that the draft National Implementation Framework is too aspirational and focuses excessively on inputs rather than outputs. The organization recommends establishing the Public Service Commission (PSC) as a definitive check on the appointment and removal of senior officials to prevent corruption and patronage. PARI further suggests a 'covering in mechanism' for incremental reform, a shift toward permanent contracts for Directors-General, and a stronger emphasis on consequence management and performance-based career progression to restore institutional capacity and public trust.

• The draft Framework is criticized for focusing predominantly on inputs—such as pre-entry exams and training—rather than outputs, failing to explain how these inputs translate into enhanced operational capability and improved service delivery.
• PARI argues that the Framework lacks a sufficient 'stick' approach, neglecting the role of performance and consequence management in fostering an organizational culture that adheres to constitutional values.
• To prevent political interference, PARI proposes that the Public Service Commission (PSC) should have an independent and definitive role in the appointment and removal processes of senior officials, including the Head of the Public Service and Directors-General (DGs).
• PARI recommends moving toward permanent contracts for Directors-General to increase institutional knowledge and reduce the opportunities for political interference that occur during frequent turnover.
• The organization advocates for a 'covering in mechanism' for implementation, allowing the President to gradually apply the new professionalisation statutes to specific departments and municipalities rather than implementing them across all departments simultaneously.
• The current Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) is described as a compliance-driven exercise that lacks in-depth discussion and undervalues the competencies essential for professionalisation.
• PARI highlights a critical failure in consequence management at senior levels, noting that managers often fail to hold staff accountable, leading to a culture where underperforming employees are allowed to 'coast' in the public service.

APA

Public Affairs Research Institute (n.d.). Draft National Implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service Submission of Public Comments. https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/25022021_PARI_Final-Submission_NIFPPS_v1.0.pdf

Chicago

Public Affairs Research Institute. Draft National Implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service Submission of Public Comments. n.d. https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/25022021_PARI_Final-Submission_NIFPPS_v1.0.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=Public Affairs Research Institute |title=Draft National Implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service Submission of Public Comments |url=https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/25022021_PARI_Final-Submission_NIFPPS_v1.0.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{publicaffairsresearchinstitutenddraft, author = {{Public Affairs Research Institute}}, title = {{Draft National Implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service Submission of Public Comments}}, publisher = {Public Affairs Research Institute}, url = {https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/25022021_PARI_Final-Submission_NIFPPS_v1.0.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }