President Ramaphosa was recently found to have a case to answer in the Phala Phala matter by a Section 89 report headed by retired former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo.
Cyril’s Decision: Withdrawing from the Keynote Address for the international anti-corruption Day event
The annual commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day was going to be held by the Public Service Commission (PSC), in partnership with the United Nations in South Africa and Unisa. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa has decided not to give the keynote address & ditched the event, IOL reports.
It was reported on Friday morning by the broadcaster Newzroom Afrika that Ramaphosa had withdrawn from the high-level event, citing a conflict in his schedule as the reason for his decision.
This is an opportunity for governments, political leaders, businesses, civil society, academic institutions, and the general public to join forces against corruption. The event will be held in the United Kingdom at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Royal Institute).
“In acknowledgment of the 2003 signing of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in Mexico, the 9th of December is observed every year as the International Anti-Corruption Day.” According to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), South Africa is a member of the Convention and ratified it in 2004.
On Thursday, the GCIS made the announcement that Ramaphosa would be the keynote speaker at the upcoming event.
It was stated that Cyril would deliver a keynote address, and it was also mentioned that other participants would include the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Somadoda Fikeni, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, and the UN Resident Coordinator, Ayodele Odusola.
After an independent panel that was chaired by retired Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo found that Ramaphosa had a case to answer in relation to Phala Phala last week, there has been a growing chorus of voices demanding that he step down from his position as president.
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A report that was made public on Wednesday of the previous week found that Cyril had broken several laws.
Ramaphosa has filed a petition with the Constitutional Court requesting that the report be dismissed.
President Ramaphosa’s Limited Engagement with the Press:
Was he scared of being asked about the Phala Phala report?
In South Africa, it is not a common practice for presidents to engage in regular, unscripted, and unfiltered press conferences.
In many democratic countries around the world, it is customary for heads of state to interact with the press. This tradition recognizes that responding to spontaneous questions in a formalized manner contributes to the enhancement and strengthening of democracy.
When leaders face journalists and provide answers, even to challenging questions they may prefer to avoid, it fosters trust, accountability, and transparency. This engagement builds confidence between elected officials and the public who entrusted them with their mandate. It demonstrates a commitment to public service and reassures the public that their leaders take their responsibilities seriously.
Moreover, it promotes accountability, as politicians in a functional political environment understand that the media will consistently inquire about relevant issues of the day. This means they cannot evade matters of importance and must fulfill their duties.
President Cyril Ramaphosa does not frequently take questions, hold press conferences, or grant interviews
Lastly, by allowing journalists to question politicians, a culture of transparency is cultivated. Skilled journalists can delve into and demand answers on national matters of interest and significance. This serves the democratic framework by acting as checks and balances on behalf of the public, rather than for the sake of the media themselves.
However, President Cyril Ramaphosa in South Africa does not frequently take questions, hold press conferences, or grant interviews.
What is the Public Service Commission?
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is an independent constitutional body established in many countries, including South Africa, to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the public service. Its primary role is to oversee and promote good governance, ethical conduct, and professionalism within the public sector.
In South Africa, the PSC is mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Chapter 10, Section 196) to oversee the recruitment, selection, and promotion of public servants, as well as to investigate grievances, misconduct, and corruption within the public service. The commission operates independently of political influence and reports directly to Parliament.
The PSC has several key functions, which include:
- Appointments: The commission plays a crucial role in the appointment of public servants, ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. It monitors compliance with employment equity principles and promotes diversity in the public service.
- Ethics and Conduct: The PSC promotes and monitors ethical conduct among public servants. It develops and enforces a code of conduct for public servants, investigates allegations of misconduct, and recommends appropriate disciplinary action.
- Service Delivery: The commission evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of public service delivery. It conducts reviews and assessments of government departments and agencies to identify areas for improvement and to ensure the delivery of quality services to the public.
- Anti-Corruption: The PSC plays a crucial role in combating corruption within the public service. It investigates allegations of corruption, bribery, and fraud, and recommends measures to prevent and address these issues. The commission works in collaboration with other anti-corruption agencies to promote transparency and accountability.
- Grievance Handling: The PSC provides a platform for public servants to raise grievances and complaints. It investigates complaints related to unfair treatment, discrimination, and improper practices within the public service.
- Research and Policy Development: The commission conducts research and analysis on public administration and management. It develops policies and guidelines to improve the functioning of the public service and enhance service delivery.
Overall, the Public Service Commission plays a critical role in upholding the principles of good governance, professionalism, and accountability in the public service. Its aim is to ensure that the public service operates in the best interest of the citizens and contributes to the development and well-being of the nation.
Is the Public Service Commission a chapter in South Africa?
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is not a chapter of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996; rather, it is an independent constitutional body that was established in accordance with Chapter 10. Chapter 10 of the Constitution is part of the document that deals specifically with matters pertaining to public administration. It also lays out the principles and values that ought to direct public service.
In Chapter 10, Section 196, which outlines its mandate and functions, the Public Service Commission (PSC) is mentioned. It is accountable for advancing the core beliefs and ideals of public administration, ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of services, and cultivating a public sector workforce that is both professional and ethical.
Therefore, despite the fact that the Public Service Commission does not have its own chapter in the Constitution of South Africa, it is an extremely significant institution that was established under Chapter 10 to uphold the principles and values of public administration.
