Public Service Month: Ramaphosa addresses corruption, skills shortages in government

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa’s public sector continues to face major challenges, including skills shortages, outdated systems, and corruption, adding that in many parts of the state, the core values of Batho Pele (putting people first) have been eroded.

His comments come as the country marks Public Service Month in September.

In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa said the month offers an opportunity to reflect on the vital role played by the country’s 1.7 million public servants in delivering services that touch every South African’s life - from healthcare and education to policing and social welfare.

“When our public service operates at its best, it is a powerful instrument for social and economic development,” he wrote. 

“When it falters, it is often our most vulnerable citizens who bear the brunt.”

Ramaphosa praised the many “dedicated public servants who work tirelessly in service of our nation,” but also acknowledged the significant challenges facing the public sector. 

He said the challenges include skills shortages, outdated systems, poor service delivery, and corruption.

“In many parts of the state, the values of Batho Pele – putting people first – have been eroded,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the government is implementing reforms to attract skilled professionals, improve performance management, and establish career pathways that reward excellence.

“Through the National School of Government, we are investing in training and development,” he said. 

“We are strengthening the professional foundations of our public service.”

He emphasised the need to bring public servants closer to the people they serve, challenging the outdated perception of a top-down relationship between state and citizen.

“We must challenge the idea that public servants are providers and citizens are mere beneficiaries of goods and services,” Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa also linked the push for a more responsive public service to the controversial National Dialogue, launched in August, which seeks to encourage community-based discussions around key societal issues.

The dialogue, however, has been widely criticised by opposition parties and civil society groups as a political campaign for the ANC to garner more support ahead of the upcoming 2026 local government elections.

However, the ANC denied the claims.

“Over the next few months, South Africans will be meeting as communities across the country. They will be discussing the issues that most concern them and will together be forging a vision to take the country forward,” he said.

He said the conversations will culminate in a National Convention next year, aimed at finalising a new social compact that outlines clear responsibilities for government, civil society, and the private sector.

“The thousands of public dialogues taking place across the country will also provide an opportunity for communities to address the immediate challenges that they face where they live,” said Ramaphosa.

These may include issues such as electricity cuts, overcrowded schools, poor road maintenance, water shortages, violent crime and drug abuse.

He encouraged communities to work with all stakeholders - including ward councillors, municipal officials, civic organisations, and national departments - to co-develop practical solutions.

Ramaphosa said this approach aligns closely with the District Development Model, which seeks to improve service delivery by coordinating efforts across all spheres of government and aligning priorities with local needs.

“It is about building a public service that listens to citizens, adapts to their needs and continuously improves its services,” he said. 

“Such a public service requires the active participation of citizens as partners in development, growth and transformation.”

He urged citizens to hold the government accountable through constructive engagement, while also recognising the essential role of a professional public service in improving lives.

“Together, we can build a public service that serves with excellence and integrity, and works with South Africans to realise the promise of a better life for all.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics