In marking Public Service Month, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated on Monday that action to discourage corruption in government departments must continue if government is to build an accountable, professional civil service.

He said “it is correct” that corrupt activities be exposed and action taken against those responsible.

Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that every September South Africa marks Public Service Month to draw attention to the role of the people who work in government.

Last week, in Parliament, Ramaphosa outlined the “commendable work underway” in government to discourage corruption, including the completion of over 11 000 lifestyle audits of public servants.

“While many citizens daily experience the orderliness, professionalism and courtesy of frontline service officials, the headlines and online debates are often reserved for public servants involved in corruption or mismanagement,” he said.

He explained that public servants must uphold the standards expected of them, especially at points of service, and are expected to advance social and economic development through the services that they provide to citizens.

“We often think that public servants are lacking in the provision of services to citizens and yet there are areas of distinction in the public service that don’t make the headlines,” he said.

Ramaphosa noted that credit must be given, where it is due, to civil servants who serve South Africans with honesty and integrity.

He announced that later this year, government will gazette several regulations to guide the implementation of the framework for the professionalisation of the public service, which was adopted by Cabinet last year.

He explained that the regulations of the framework will contribute to greater stability in the leadership ranks of the public service, ensuring that recruitment processes are more rigorous and prospective public servants undergo competency testing before taking up positions.

Ramaphosa added that the implementation of the framework will improve the conditions of service for public servants and bring stability to departments that have undergone prolonged periods of uncertainty and flux.

“A better trained civil service that attracts suitably qualified individuals will engender greater public confidence. As we recognise the critical work of the public service and as we commend the many public servants who diligently serve the nation, we know that there is much room for improvement,” he said.