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The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration has again called for compulsory training in consequence management and anti-corruption for senior management service (SMS) members in the public sector.
 
The committee recently engaged with the National School of Government (NSG) on the impact of its training programmes. The NSG’s mandate is to, among other things, ensure that all basic values and principles are inculcated into the value systems and performance of all public servants and representatives through education, training and development initiatives.
 
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Jan de Villiers, said the purpose of the engagement was to establish whether training programmes result in measurable improvements in the performance of public servants. “The committee’s interest is to determine the extent to which these training interventions contribute towards improving the performance of individual employees in the public service, which, in turn, should translate into quality work and improved service delivery for citizens,” he said.
 
Members had concerns about whether current ethics training adequately addresses whistleblowing, accountability and ethical decision-making. The committee also asked whether anti-corruption and ethical leadership training for SMS members should become compulsory and how compliance could be monitored.
 
The meeting on 20 May followed several recommendations the committee made last week in its budget vote report, which was tabled in the National Assembly. In its report, the committee recommended that ethical competence should be aligned with performance reviews across government. “Despite the provision of training, officials who attend compulsory courses, such as ethics training, are expected to perform their functions differently and demonstrate improved conduct. There should be a noticeable change in the behaviour of cohorts of officials who have completed ethics courses at the School,” the committee recommended.
 
Members heard from the NSG that ethics training is already mandatory and offered online to public servants. They also wanted to know whether training is offered to support lifestyle audits. According to the NSG, it is engaging with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on possible collaboration.
 
The committee also reflected on the delays often experienced with disciplinary procedures in the public service and asked whether there are training programmes to strengthen accountability. Members were informed that the NSG offers a separate online course on managing performance in the public service, which includes training on discipline, staff accountability and supporting employees to meet the targets set for their departments. The NSG also offers a labour relations programme for managers to improve the handling of grievances and disciplinary procedures.
 
Members further enquired about the role of departmental leadership in ensuring that training translates into tangible improvements in the workplace. The NSG informed committee members that uptake of training increases significantly when directors-general and departmental leadership actively instruct employees to complete it. Impact is also greater when senior managers take ownership of training interventions, nominate the correct officials for programmes and create opportunities for employees to apply their newly acquired skills.
 
The Chairperson noted that issues relating to the provision of recognised certificates, which employees utilise when applying for promotions in the public service, are also of interest to the committee. “This reinforces the importance of professionalisation and continuous professional development in the public service, particularly in strengthening ethical leadership and accountability mechanisms.”
 
The committee welcomed examples presented by the NSG where training interventions had contributed positively to service delivery outcomes. Members also called for greater sharing of best practices across the public sector.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, Mr Jan de Villiers.