Question NW1743 to the MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION

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15 June 2022 - NW1743

Profile picture: Gondwe, Dr M

Gondwe, Dr M to ask the MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION

(1) Whether, in view of the fact that the National Development Plan places emphasis on the need to stabilise the political-administrative interface within the Public Service, and among the measures it is proposing in this regard being the review of delegations on the part of Executive Authorities, his department intends to amend the Public Service Act, 1994, [Proclamation No 103 of 1994], in order to provide Heads of Department (HODs) with powers in respect of organisational and human resource matters; if not, why not; if so, (2) Whether the amendment will include allowing Executive Authorities to recommend an HOD for appointment by the President; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. Yes, the delegations for human resource practices were reviewed. The amendments to the Public Service Act, 1994 consider the proposals made pertaining to same and an Amendment Bill is being proposed to vest all administrative powers directly with heads of department while retaining strategic powers with executive authorities.

2. The procedural matters relating to the appointment of heads of department is contained in the Public Service Regulations, 2016. The relevant executive authority currently chairs the selection committee in respect of the particular head of department and the recommendation of the candidate, in respect of a national head of department, is submitted to the Cabinet before appointment by the President. The President may delegate the authority to appoint the national head of department to the Deputy President or a Minister in terms of section 42A(3).

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