Ramaphosa’s Ultimatum: Obstruct the state and face jail - IOL

President Cyril Ramaphosa framed the enactment as a pivotal moment for the nation, particularly as it coincides with the country’s annual Public Service Month.

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the new Public Service Commission Act into law, marking a decisive shift in the government’s crusade to build a capable, ethical state and eradicate service delivery failures across all levels of government.

The landmark legislation officially repeals the outdated Public Service Commission Act of 1997. In a major expansion of its constitutional mandate, the revamped Commission is now explicitly empowered to extend its oversight to local government and public entities.

This gives the body unprecedented authority to monitor, evaluate, and investigate administrative practices and service delivery breakdowns wherever they occur.

Ramaphosa framed the enactment as a pivotal moment for the nation, particularly as it coincides with the country’s annual Public Service Month.

“The new Public Service Commission Act should be welcomed by public servants and citizens alike as a means to improve the lives of all South Africans and to enable growth through ethical and efficient conduct in our Public Service,” Ramaphosa said.

He emphasised that the legislative upgrade must be matched by a cultural shift within the state bureaucracy. “While the Public Service Commission is a critical enabler of improved public services, it is incumbent upon all public servants to honour citizens in line with the Batho Pele (People First) principles and to view their responsibilities as tools of transformation.”

Adding to the momentum of the announcement, the President noted: “The enactment of the Public Service Commission Act during our annual Public Service Month should inspire renewed pride and ethics in the Public Service.”

Beyond rhetorical weight, the new law comes with enforceable teeth. The Act grants the Commission the authority to direct any executive authority or individual against whom a decision is made to formally report back on their progress in implementing the Commission’s directives.

To ensure compliance, the legislation establishes strict penalties for interference. Any person found guilty of obstructing the Commission in the exercise of its powers and performance of its functions will be guilty of an offence, liable upon conviction to imprisonment of up to 12 months, a fine of up to R50 000, or both.

Anchored in section 196(1) of the Constitution, the Commission remains an independent body mandated to operate impartially and without “fear, favour or prejudice”.

The new legislation further fortifies this independence by clearly regulating the presidential appointment procedure for Commissioners and formally establishing a dedicated Secretariat to support the body’s expanding workload.

This legislative overhaul directly supports one of the 7th Administration’s top three priorities: forging a capable and ethical state.

By mandating the maintenance of effective public administration and a high standard of professional ethics, the revamped Public Service Commission is now positioned as a central, empowered pillar in South Africa’s ongoing governance transformation.