Hon Chairperson and hon members, we once again bow our heads in respect for the late Minister Padayachie, who immortalised himself to all by his nature. He was a very approachable and caring man. May his soul rest in peace!
In the public sector, internal control processes play an important role in accountability for the use of public funds and in delivering improvements to services. These controls can include, among other things, regulation, guidance, inspection, targets and budget controls. Front-line public sector workers frequently complain that they are hampered in the delivery of public services by unnecessary bureaucracy which is imposed on them by central government. Project Khaedu is not as helpful as it was meant to be as senior managers tend to be pen pushers without going to the coalface of service delivery.
While the quantity of services has expanded a lot, massive discontent remains. Excellent policies have collided with multiple unintended failures in participation, accountability and centrally-driven delivery models. This has disempowered citizens and communities into passive demanders of service. We call for a change in the mindset towards accountability to users and multifaceted and effective problem-solving involving all sectors and levels of government and civil society.
The Public Service Commission has, unfortunately, not complied with its dates according to sections 195 and 196 of the Constitution, the problem being that, as it is constituted by this Parliament, it is not always as credible across the political and social spectrum as expected.
The continued nonappointment of a member of the PSC in the North West province since 2009, despite costly advertisement year in and year out, is a case for concern. How can the commission hope to oversee other instances when they themselves are found wanting in regularising appointments? Besides, this lack of appointment by North West compromises the functioning of the commission as the other members have to do what was supposed to be done by the member of the province in question.
The UCDP believes that the good work started by the late Minister Padayachie in ensuring that disciplinary matters are resolved within 60 days, as the Act dictates, will be proceeded with and thus save the taxpayers millions of rands that are paid to people on suspension even long after the stipulated 60-day period has expired. The commission should ensure that it serves the interest of the public and not errant individuals. [Time expired.] [Applause.]