Question NW54 to the Minister of Public Service and Administration
03 March 2025 - NW54
Matutu, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration
(1) What is the total number of vacant funded posts in each department of the Public sector; (2) (a) how long have the specified vacancies remained unfilled and (b) what are the reasons that the vacancies have not been filled; (3) what has he found to be the impact of the vacancies on service delivery?
Reply:
1. As of 31 January 2025, there are 102,153 vacant funded posts in the Public Service, based on data sourced from PERSAL. The department-specific breakdown of these vacancies is detailed in Annexure A.
2. (a) Under Section 3(7) of the Public Service Act, 1994, the responsibility for filling vacancies within a department rests with the relevant Executive Authority, as recruitment in the Public Service is decentralised. Regulation 65(7) of the Public Service Regulations, 2016 mandates that a vacant funded post must be filled within eight months of becoming vacant. The duration for which the specified vacancies have remained unfilled, measured in days as of 31 January 2025, is detailed in Annexure B.
(b) Departments have reported challenges that contribute to delays in filling vacancies, including:
- Budget constraints and the need to reprioritise funds affect the timing of appointments.
- Strict administrative processes, both internal and external, that slow down recruitment.
- The time required for thorough pre-employment verifications.
3. Vacancies in the Public Service impact service delivery, especially in critical sectors where skilled workers are essential. While filling vacancies on time is ideal, it is not always possible. Budget constraints, strict hiring processes, and the need to appoint the right people all contribute to delays. Balancing “speed” with strategic recruitment is crucial to building a capable and effective Public Service that serves the public well in the long term.
End