EZEKIEL PHALANA
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature, through its Oversight Committee, the Office of Premier and Housing Legislature, has called on citizens to actively participate On the ongoing public hearings. Public Service Commission Bill, is currently under discussions in Parliament.
Speaking at the second public hearing held in Gauteng, Chairperson of the Committee Honourable Ntombi Mekgwe emphasised the critical role of public input in shaping important piece of legislation.
“This Bill seeks to amend the Public Service Commission Act — a process that began in 2013 in National Assembly but has yet to be finalised by the National Council of Provinces.” said Chairperson Mekgwe. “However this is a section 76 Bill, the Constitution requires provinces and local communities be consulted, as the changes directly affect how public services are monitored and delivered.”
The Public Service Commission (PSC) plays a vital role in promoting professional ethics and accountability in the Public Service. Unlike Chapter 9 institutions such as the Public Protector, the Public Service Commission (PSC) is established under Chapter 10 of the Constitution and mandated to oversee public administration, investigate grievances, and strengthen efficiency across government departments.
“One of the main concerns from the public is how long it takes to resolve complaints about poor service delivery, corruption, irregular appointments in government,” added Chairperson Mekgwe. “These hearings are an opportunity for communities to share their experiences and propose solutions that can help strengthen our monitoring systems and improve the delivery of services to all citizens.”
This latest public hearing follows the first session held in Pimville two weeks ago, where various stakeholders made their submissions. The Legislature will consolidate all views received and submit a comprehensive report to the National Council of Provinces for consideration before the Bill is finalised.
Members of the public, civil society organisations, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate and make their voices heard.
Public Service Commission engages communities on groundbreaking Bill to strengthen oversight and service delivery
The Public Service Commission today hosted a successful public hearing at Ivory Park in Midrand as part of the Gauteng Legislature’s ongoing process to gather public input on landmark Public Service Commission Bill.
The hearing led by Mr. Ashley Searle, the Western Cape Resident Commissioner and Lead Commissioner for the Bill, offered community members and stakeholders an opportunity to learn about the proposed Legislation to share their views and concerns.
“We have already briefed the committee on the Bill, and these public hearings ensure that communities have a voice in shaping this important piece of Legislation,” said Mr. Searle. “Public participation is essential — the issues raised here can help refine and strengthen the Bill before it is passed into Law.”
The Public Service Commission Bill aims to expand the constitutional mandate beyond provincial and national departments to include municipalities and state-owned entities (SOEs). Currently, the PSC monitors and investigates only provincial and national government bodies.
“With this Bill, the Public Service Commission oversight powers will extend to municipalities and SOEs for the first time,” Mr. Searle explained. “This means that many pressing issues communities face — such challenges with Eskom, lack of local centres and service delivery problems — can be formally addressed by the Commission once the Bill is enacted.”
Today’s hearing follows similar engagements in Pimmville at Soweto where residents raised vital concerns about service delivery. Although these hearings do not resolve specific service issues immediately, they give the Public Service Commission valuable insight onto daily challenges faced by South Africans.
Mr. Searle urged community members not to wait until the new law comes into effect to raise concerns with the Commission. “We are aware of the challenges you are facing. Any issues with Provincial and National Government Services, please contact the Public Service Commission — we are here to help.”
The Public Service Commission remains committed to strengthen accountability, improving service delivery and ensuring that government at all levels works for the people it serves.
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