TRAILBLAZER
BY JESSIE TAYLOR
DR SOMADODA FIKENI COMMISSIONER OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION also has an obligation to promote measures that will ensure effective and efficient performance with the public service and to promote values and principles of public administration, as set out in the Constitution, throughout the public service. “I’m humbled and touched by positive remarks received across society. Working as part of a collective I’ll be guided by the constitution. Integrity/ honesty is key,” Fikeni said after the appointment.
E
nsuring the public service sector runs effective and efficiently is just one of the goals of the newly appointed Commissioner of the Public Service Commission, Dr Somadoda Fikeni. He also aims to find ways to bring government services to all South Africans, especially those who live in rural communities. Promoting effective public service In January, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Dr
Somadoda Fikeni as the Commissioner of the Public Service Commission, for a first, five-year term of office. Through the appointment, Fikeni takes the helm at the Public Service Commission – a role that sees him promoting an effective and efficient public service sector.
Taking up the role from February, Fikeni has said he will focus on making government services accessible to ordinary people. This has become especially necessary during the global pandemic, with the public sector forced to embrace technology to enhance service delivery and pursue further e-governance options.
The Public Service Commission is tasked and empowered to investigate, monitor and evaluate the organisation and administration of the public service. The Commission
Moving services online would make them more accessible to those living in rural communities, who currently face long commutes into metro areas to sign documents.
32 | Public Sector Leaders • March 2021
