South Africa: Public Service Committee Welcomes Treasury Reviews, Urges Swift Action to Professionalise and Clean Up Government
The reviews, announced during the minister's budget vote debate, will focus on standardising the remuneration of executives and board members of public entities, auditing and eliminating ghost workers and investigating the persistent underspending and delivery failures associated with infrastructure conditional grants at the provincial and municipal levels.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Jan de Villiers, said these reviews are not only welcome but long overdue. They echo the committee's consistent calls for a professionalised public service, one that is results-based, provides value for public money, and adopts a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, waste and political patronage. 'We support the development of a standardised remuneration framework for public entity executives and board members. Salaries must be fair, transparent and directly linked to the entity's mandate, complexity and performance. There can be no justification for exorbitant pay packages where service delivery is in crisis or entities are failing,' said Mr de Villiers.
On the issue of ghost workers, the Chairperson reaffirmed the committee's view that this is not a minor administrative flaw but a form of organised, systemic corruption that siphons off public funds and undermines trust in the state. 'These are not invisible names on paper – these are real funds stolen from the public. The committee calls for these audits to lead to consequences. We want to see prosecutions, dismissals and systemic reform. The committee will continue to monitor this process closely, and a joint oversight meeting with Treasury and the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025,' he said.
The committee also welcomed broader government efforts to professionalise the state, including the digitisation of human resource and payroll systems, the introduction of lifestyle audits and the rollout of skills audits within departments. This followed a briefing by the DPSA and the National School of Government this morning on government's progress in digitising the public service and aligning training and upskilling with departmental needs.
'The creation of a professional, merit-based and non-partisan public service is both constitutionally mandated and essential to improving service delivery for all South Africans. Skills audits are particularly critical as they allow us to assess whether departments are staffed appropriately and whether officials have the qualifications and competencies needed to fulfil their mandates,' said Mr de Villiers.
Responding to this morning's briefing, the Chairperson said digitisation and upskilling will help empower officials and drive improved service delivery, particularly in under-resourced areas. 'We must know not just who is employed in the public service, but whether they are fit for purpose. Skills audits, alongside digital transformation and standardised pay, create an opportunity to reconfigure departments to meet the needs of the public better. Where upskilling is required, it must be supported. Where restructuring is needed, it must be done responsibly,' he said.
The committee remains committed to actively overseeing these reviews, focusing on results rather than rhetoric. We are planning a joint meeting with the Department of Public Service and Administration and National Treasury in the third quarter of 2025 to obtain further updates, including a detailed progress update on the ghost worker audit, implementation of lifestyle audits and alignment between performance and pay in the public sector, as well as consequence management for those involved in fraud and maladministration.
'We will not allow these reviews to become another policy gesture. They must be executed with urgency, rigour and public accountability,' the Chairperson said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Zawya
18 hours ago
- Zawya
Operation Vulindlela Progress Report shows momentum on economic reform
The Presidency and National Treasury have today, 11 July 2025, released a quarterly progress report for Q1 2025/26 on the implementation of economic reform through Operation Vulindlela. This report is the first to be released since the launch of Phase II of Operation Vulindlela this year. Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of The Presidency and National Treasury, which aims to achieve more rapid and inclusive economic growth through a programme of far-reaching economic reform. Phase I of Operation Vulindlela focused on unlocking progress in five priority areas: electricity, freight logistics, water, telecommunications, and the visa system. These reforms were selected for their high potential to catalyse investment, enhance economic competitiveness, and create jobs. Phase II represents a second wave of structural reform aimed at unlocking more rapid, inclusive, and sustained economic growth. While continuing to drive implementation of reforms initiated during Phase I, the second phase introduces new focus areas that respond to evolving challenges in the economy. The report released today demonstrates sustained progress in the economic reform agenda, which serves as a counter to strong economic headwinds. Key milestones during the past quarter include the publication of a Ministerial Determination and associated regulations to enable the first round of Independent Transmission Projects, as well as a Request for Information for major private sector participation (PSP) projects in the freight logistics sector. Progress has also been made in the new areas of reform included in Phase II, with a comprehensive review of the White Paper on Local Government to reform the local government system and the introduction of a performance-based financing mechanism to support the reform of municipal water and electricity services. The Digital Transformation Roadmap has been approved by Cabinet and is in implementation, with the development of a digital identity system and other core elements of the roadmap already advanced. Further details on progress in each of the reform areas is available in the full report, which can be accessed here. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Zawya
20 hours ago
- Zawya
African Development Bank's Johannesburg Deal Signals a New Era in City-Led Urban Investment (By Bleming Nekati)
Bleming Nekati is the Regional Head for Private Sector Operations in Southern Africa at the African Development Bank ( In June 2025, a quiet but important decision marked a real turning point in African urban finance. The African Development Bank's Board of Directors approved a ZAR 2.5 billion ($139 million) corporate loan for the City of Johannesburg, marking the first time the Bank has extended financing without a sovereign guarantee to a subnational government in Africa. This funding will have a direct and tangible impact on the daily lives of Johannesburg residents by strengthening basic services and expanding economic opportunities. Residents can expect fewer power outages, improved water supply, more efficient waste collection, and increased industrial productivity, all of which contribute to broader economic growth. Importantly, these improvements are being financed through a more sustainable, market-based model that reduces reliance on national subsidies. The deal is more than just a funding breakthrough; it validates the growing view among investors and development professionals alike that, when well-managed, African cities can and should access capital markets on their own terms. A Market-Ready Metropolis Johannesburg isn't just South Africa's largest city. It is a major economic hub and powerhouse. With $67 billion in economic output, and housing at least 6.44 million residents, the city generates more wealth than many African countries. However, like many fast-growing African cities, the City of Johannesburg is under pressure. Legacy infrastructure is aging. Its electricity and water systems suffer significant losses, at rates exceeding 30% and 46%, respectively. Sanitation and waste services are overwhelmed, particularly in underserved communities. Population growth is intensifying these challenges. Yet these constraints also represent opportunities: Johannesburg has unmet demand, real scale, and crucially, a clear willingness to reform. From Municipal Risk to Bankable Asset Historically, African municipalities have struggled to attract direct capital investment due to legal constraints and concerns about credit risk. The City of Johannesburg has now defied this trend through a decade of governance, budgeting, and financial reforms that have strengthened its independently verified credit profile and inspired investor confidence. The African Development Bank loan is tied to over 100 capital projects spanning four critical sectors: Electricity: Grid upgrades, smart meters, renewables, and 3,200 new household connections Water&Sanitation: Pipeline repair, water treatment, and a plan to reduce losses to 37% Solid Waste: More efficient collection, landfill upgrades, and recycling expansion Revenue-Generating Utilities: All investments are linked to tariff-backed revenue streams for repayment Economic Stimulus with Returns The infrastructure program is designed to deliver both economic and social returns: Job Creation: Nearly 2,900 construction jobs and 592 permanent roles, with gender and youth inclusion targets Procurement Opportunity: ZAR 500 million in contracts allocated to SMEs, half to youth-owned businesses Productivity Gains: More reliable services for industrial users support operational efficiency Service Equity: 160,000 low-income households will receive improved access to utilities The partnership has embedded strong governance practices into the program, including independent oversight, transparent procurement, and financial safeguards, key criteria for future capital access. Momentum Beyond the City of Johannesburg While the City of Johannesburg may be the first African city to secure a non-sovereign guaranteed loan from the African Development Bank, it is not alone in its efforts to achieve financial independence. Other cities, such as Dakar, Cape Town, Nairobi, and Kigali, have also made significant progress towards attaining more autonomy and accountability in their financing mechanisms. These cities share a common understanding that urban growth must be matched by fiscal capability, and that capital markets, not subsidies, will drive the next generation of infrastructure investments. Investor Takeaway: Cities Are the Next Frontier Johannesburg's breakthrough isn't just a local success; it's a signal to the market. African cities are increasingly proving themselves as bankable partners. For investors, lenders, and infrastructure firms, the rise of creditworthy municipalities is an untapped opportunity. The trend is clear: well-managed cities are evolving from mere service providers. They are also infrastructure clients, capital partners, and engines of inclusive economic growth. As Africa continues to urbanize, cities such as Johannesburg are showing that the future of investment is increasingly rooted in local contexts. When the appropriate financial architecture is established, cities are well-positioned to lead and drive sustainable development. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).


Zawya
20 hours ago
- Zawya
South Africa: Tourism budget proposes $134mln for 2025/26
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has delivered the Budget Vote for the 2025/26 financial year, unveiling a R2.43bn allocation focused on sustaining tourism growth, job creation, and sector transformation across South Africa. Speaking in Parliament, Minister de Lille highlighted the budget's alignment with the Government of National Unity's Programme of Action, aimed at driving inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty, and building a capable state. She emphasised the importance of tourism as a key economic driver, referencing its central role in the National Development Plan and the Tourism Sector Master Plan. Budget highlights • R1.3bn allocated to SA Tourism, the Department's main entity. • R331m dedicated to destination development, primarily funding the Working for Tourism Programme. • R331m earmarked for Tourism Sector Support Services, covering incentive schemes such as the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP), Market Access Programme, Tourism Grading programme, and Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF). Addressing oversight and improving governance Minister de Lille outlined the department's response to Portfolio Committee concerns, including: • Finalising the Tourism Amendment Bill to address short-term rentals, grading enforcement, and governance. • Reviewing outdated strategies on heritage and cultural tourism, domestic growth, rural tourism, service excellence, and climate change. • Strengthening fund management with clear deliverables, 60-day approval targets, and consequence management. • Implementing a Community Tourism Aftercare programme offering post-handover support to community lodges. • Enhancing digital transformation through a Digital Maturity Roadmap, real-time tourism dashboards, and mobile tools. • Applying a Sector Risk and Mitigation Plan focusing on climate change, health, safety, and governance. • Increasing transparency via quarterly public dashboards on EPWP placements, fund disbursements, and risk metrics. Tourism performance and economic impact The Minister reflected on the sector's strong performance in 2024/25: • International visitor arrivals reached a peak of 9.1 million. • Domestic overnight travel increased to 40 million trips from 37.7 million the previous year. • International tourists contributed R92.8bn in foreign direct spend. • Domestic tourism grew by 7.6% to R133.1bn. • 76% of the budget was directed to growth-and-jobs initiatives, with 40% procurement from SMMEs and 40% from women-owned businesses. • The Green Tourism Incentive Programme retrofitted 103 properties. • Support was given to 266 SMMEs at global trade shows via the Market Access Support Programme. • R144m was spent to train and deploy 2,305 Tourism Monitors. • Major policy achievements included completing the Tourism Master Plan, Tourism White Paper, and Tourism Route Development Marketing Plan. • The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, in collaboration with Home Affairs, welcomed the first Chinese and Indian travellers via digital visas. Tourism growth partnership plan The department introduced the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan with five pillars to drive sustainable sector growth by 2030: 1. Ease of access – visa reform, air and road connectivity 2. Coordinated destination marketing – covering international, continental, domestic, and MICE markets 3. Tourist safety and security – awareness and crisis management 4. Tourism product development – infrastructure and immersive experiences 5. Job creation – youth employment acceleration and skills development An upcoming Execution Lab will engage sector leaders to implement these goals. Marketing and product development initiatives The flagship 'South Africa Awaits – Come Find Your Joy!' campaign reached seven key markets, boosting website traffic by 35% and generating 1.2 million digital engagements. Domestic campaigns like 'Sho't Left/Travel Week' saw a 9% increase in provincial travel and supported 914 new jobs. The Department plans to spend R20m marketing National Domestic Tourism and has commissioned new tracking surveys to gain real-time visitor insights. Efforts continue to maintain Africa's position as a leading hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), aiming to increase exhibitor diversity by 15% for Meetings Africa and Travel Indaba 2026-2028. Tourism product development will receive R95m for the maintenance and enhancement of Department-owned sites, community tourism lodges, and branded routes in villages and townships. The department will host its first Tourism Investment Conference in Cape Town in September 2025. Minister de Lille reaffirmed the government's commitment to leveraging legislative, operational, and strategic interventions to strengthen tourism, remove barriers, and embed innovation. The sector is positioned as a catalyst for a resilient and inclusive South African economy.