Question NW668 to the Minister of Public Service and Administration
03 April 2024 - NW668
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
Whether she has found that the Nyukela requirement, which her department introduced in the security cluster, will pose a hindrance to applicants with qualifications but not in possession of Nyukela; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how will the specified requirement impact on the applicants who are qualified and have the necessary skills and (b) what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a) The National Framework Towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector (Professionalisation Framework) requires all Members of the Senior Management Service (SMS) to complete the SMS Pre-Entry Programme (Nyukela) before qualifying for an appointment in the SMS. The Professionalisation Framework prescribes that the Nyukela programme should also be extended to employees in the Local Government, Military, State Security, Police, Correctional Services and Boards of SOEs. The Directives issued by the Minister for the Public Service and Administration exclude the SMS within the security cluster, appointed under their specific sectoral legislation provisions. This exemption arises due to the distinct appointment criteria that differ from those applicable to SMS members appointed under the Public Service Act.
The Nyukela certificate is a component of the government's initiative to professionalise the public service. This certification process is mandatory for public servants and individuals aspiring to join the SMS within the Public Service, contingent upon meeting predetermined minimum criteria, including qualifications and experience. Completion of the Nyukela course requires approximately 120 hours.
The Practice Note concerning enacting a pre-entry certificate for the Senior Management Service (SMS), which came into effect on 1 April 2020, highlights in paragraph 6 the imperative to prevent delays in the recruitment procedure as an integral aspect of the course introduction. It is specified that the appointment to any SMS role advertised on or following 1 April 2020 will remain incomplete until the selected candidate presents the necessary pre-entry certificate, which must be obtained from the National School of Government.
The pre-entry certificate requirement for the SMS standardises competencies, professionalises the public service, assures quality in recruitment, enhances public service delivery, and promotes equitable opportunities. This mandate ensures candidates for senior positions possess essential competencies, align with administrative good practices, and maintain high leadership standards. It also aims to improve service efficiency, transformation, and fairness in recruitment and support the public service's integrity and professionalism. This strategic foresight ensures the leadership is qualified and dedicated to excellence in service delivery.
(b) SMS members within the security cluster appointed under their respective sectoral legislation are exempt from the obligation to present a Nyukela certificate due to distinct appointment criteria that differ from those applicable to SMS members appointed under the Public Service Act.
End