Question NW49 to the Minister of Public Service and Administration

Reply:

1. (a)

As of 31 December 2023, there are 1,779 Senior Management Service (SMS) members whose qualifications are not listed on PERSAL. The total composition of SMS members in the Public Service as of 31 December 2023 was 9,278. This implies that 19% of the composition did not have qualifications listed on PERSAL.

The table below presents the detailed information sourced from PERSAL.

National and Provincial Government Departments SMS Members with Qualifications Unspecified on PERSAL

Occupational Classification	Date Appointed In SMS	Total
	Before 1 August 2016	From 1 August 2016
Total	1 216	563	1 779
Administrative Related	89	56	145
Advocates		1	1
Agriculture Related	2		2
Communication and Information Related	4	2	6
Computer Programmers.		1	1
Computer System Designers and Analysts.		1	1
Crime Investigators/Misdaad Ondersoekers		1	1
Custodian Personnel		1	1
Economists	2		2
Finance and Economics Related	20	6	26
Financial and Related Professionals	18	13	31
Financial Clerks and Credit Controllers	2		2
General Legal Administration & Rel. Professionals	2	1	3
Head Of Department/Chief Executive Officer	20	6	26
Health Sciences Related	3	2	5
Human Resources & Organisation Development & Relate Prof	10	5	15
Human Resources Related	11	6	17
Identification Experts	3		3
Information Technology Related	4		4
Legal Related	4	1	5
Natural Sciences-Related	1	1	2
Operational Planning		1	1
Other Administrative & Related Clerks and Organisers	2	3	5
Other Administrative Policy and Related Officers	2	1	3
Other Information Technology Personnel.	8		8
Other Occupations	9		9
Police.		1	1
Professional Nurse	1		1
Prosecutor		1	1
Risk Management and Security Services	4		4
Saps		1	1
Secretaries & Other Keyboard Operating Clerks		3	3
Senior Managers	989	448	1 437
Social Sciences Related	1		1
Social Work and Related Professionals	2		2
Trade/Industry Advisers & Other Related Profession	2		2
Veterinarians	1		1

Table 1: PERSAL Data as of 31 December 2023 Occupation Specific

(1) (b)

Of the total of 1,779 senior managers, 1,216 (68%) were employed before 1 August 2016, prior to the implementation of the minimum requirements. Additionally, of the 1,779 senior managers, 563 (32%) were employed after 1 August 2016, following the introduction of the minimum requirements. Of the 9,278 senior managers, 1,779 (19%) either do not have the minimum NQF level qualifications or are not recorded on PERSAL. The Public Service Commission initiated an investigation to establish the employment circumstances of senior managers without qualifications. The outcome of the investigation will determine the course of action as the impact of having unqualified managers could erode public trust in government institutions and undermine the Government’s standpoint for the professionalisation of the Public Service.

2. Public service performance does not depend only on academic qualifications, as qualifications are not the exclusive measure of competency. Competency includes the acquired knowledge, skills, behaviours, and aptitudes an employee contributes to their position. The public service has implemented a comprehensive performance management and development system for assessing the performance of individuals in their designated roles. As a learning organisation, the public service is committed to fostering continuous improvement among its Senior Management Service (SMS) officials. Officials are supported in advancing their competencies through ongoing education and skill development guided by personal development plans. These plans are created collaboratively by employees and supervisors to pinpoint developmental needs and select appropriate training measures.

In the public service, performance monitoring is rigorous, with each department held accountable for the performance of its SMS officials, irrespective of their qualifications. Departments report underperformance to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and undertake the necessary corrective measures. In addition, the DPSA is initiating a verification process to confirm the qualifications of SMS officials as part of the skills audit project.

(3) (a) what steps will she take to correct this and (b) by when?

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is presently investigating the qualifications of all Senior Managers. Given that the outcomes and recommendations from this investigation are still pending, it is too soon to discuss any possible measures for SMS officials who do not possess the necessary qualifications for their positions. The conclusions will inform the determination of reasonable actions. It is essential to recognise that some SMS officials occupied their roles before the 2017 Directive on Minimum Entry Requirements came into existence, and their extensive experience might reflect the requisite knowledge and skills for their positions. The project to verify qualifications is expected to be completed by 30 June 2024.

End