Capable public servants ensure a capable state

The successful formula for strengthening local government delivery can be seen in the management of several municipalities. At the heart of this delivery focus lies the commitment of public sector management and staff – something that new regulatory frameworks will look to build on.

The highs and lows

Ratings Afrika released its annual Municipal Financial Sustainability Index report for the year to June 2020 in April. The report found that the aggregate cash fall facing the sector is around R50.7-billion. This number has been exacerbated by the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Index rates municipalities out of a score of 100, looking at their operating performance; liquidity management; debt governance; budget practices; affordability; and infrastructure development. It considers financial sustainability as the ability of a municipality to deliver services, as well as develop and maintain infrastructure, without unplanned increases in rates or decrease in its level of services.

The report found that South Africa’s big metros had felt the brunt of the economic consequences of Covid-19. In the top eight metros, which are home to around 40% of the country’s population, and are responsible for around 60% of the GDP, for the first time, the average financial sustainability score dropped below the minimum threshold for viability, as a result of the pandemic.

However, some municipalities are performing well. The report identified the top municipalities as Mossel Bay, Saldanha Bay, Swartland (Malmesbury) and Overstrand (Hermanus) – along with Midvaal in Gauteng.

Anton Bredell, the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in Western Cape says independent reports are critical weather vanes in indicating the ability of a municipality to provide services and a better life to the people in its communities.

“It doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges in those municipalities and these must be acknowledged. There are many challenges and the triple impact of poverty, unemployment and inequality remains a massive issue. In the Western Cape, we continue to see massive population growth, driven in a large part by ongoing inward migration into the province.

We also see continued urbanisation that is placing strain on larger councils. However, reports like these show councils continue to perform despite the challenges. It also shows the public that their money is being well managed and not stolen or wasted.”

National Implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service

The success of the top-performing municipalities gives hope that municipal performance can be improved across the board despite the impact Covid has had on the economy and on livelihoods.

One way to strengthen performance is through upskilling municipal managers. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) has been vocal in calling for the training of key personnel. Freeman Nomvalo, SAICA CEO, explains:

“We urgently need to review the mandatory minimum skills and qualifications required for all key financial management positions in local government. Then we need to train and upskill personnel or recruit suitably qualified staff for these vital roles.”

This drive to professionalise the public sector is what lies behind the National Implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service. This draft framework, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa “aims to build a state that better serves citizens, that is insulated from undue political interference and where appointments are made on merit” The framework was approved by Cabinet in November 2020 and structured consultation with various sectors of society are taking place.

The framework would see reforms, such as extending the tenure of Heads of Department based on merit and performance, doing occupation-based competency assessments and involving the Public Service Commission in the interviews of Directors-General and Deputy Directors-General. It will also aim to introduce integrity tests for all shortlisted individuals and compulsory entrance exams.

“We are suggesting a more rigorous approach towards recruitment and selection of public servants, induction and performance management. This includes continuous learning and a clear professional development path for every public servant...

“Professionalising the public service involves training for accounting officers across all spheres of government on the applicable legislative provisions. The National School of Government has a vital role to play in this regard. The public service is diverse, with a huge range of skills, qualifications and capabilities. Many public servants have specialised skills that are necessary for the effective provision of services. It is therefore not necessarily the case that we need a smaller public service: what we actually need is a fit for-purpose public service with suitable skills, a professional ethic and a commitment to serving the people. The men and women of the public service need to be capacitated to play their role in driving development and consolidating democracy. This is our best guarantee of a capable state that serves the interests of citizens, “ - President Ramaphosa.

Municipal service delivery is key for local governments to prosper – and the National Implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service will play a vital role in the country’s economic recovery plans.