Question NW2558 to the Minister of Public Service and Administration
31 October 2022 - NW2558
Gondwe, Dr M to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1) Whether, with reference to his reply to question 477 on 9 May 2022, his department has extended the deadline for senior managers to update their qualifications on the PERSAL system; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) at what stage will his department (a) employ punitive measures to address the issue of the slow pace of senior managers updating their qualifications on the PERSAL system and (b) conduct an investigation into the issue of senior managers within the Public Service who do not have the qualifications for the positions that they currently occupy?
Reply:
1. There was no extension provided to departments, departments are gradually responding to circular HRD0301 by updating data on PERSAL.
2. Below are the responses for question 2 (a) and (b):
a) PERSAL is specifically designed for payment of employees’ salaries. The capturing of qualifications on PERSAL is currently not mandatory and until such time, when capturing of qualification on PERSAL is made mandatory, the Department cannot employ any punitive measures.
b) The Department of Public Service and Administration continues to monitor compliance in terms of the implementation of the PSR, 2016 and the Directive on compulsory capacity development, mandatory training days and minimum entry requirements for members of senior management service. Individual letters are prepared to Head of Departments requesting them to provide proof of qualifications for Senior Managers who were appointed during the implementation of the Public Service Regulations, 2016 and the said Directive.
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