Issued by: SA Communication Service
27th January 1997
ON the eve of a crucial National Conference on Public Service Productivity and Quality Improvement, organised by the South African Management and Development Institute, which will put a national focus on training for Public Servants, to be held shortly, the Minister for Public Service and Administration, Dr Zola Skweyiya and the Chairperson of the Public service Commission wish to announce the move of Dr Sibusiso Nkomo (Public Service Commissioner) to the University of Pretoria. He will leave the Commission on the 31st of March 1997 to head the School of Public Administration and Management as of the 1st of April this year. Dr Nkomo is eminently qualified to hold this position. His move is timely, for it will help us address a critical need in the transformation of the public service, namely the training and education of public servants. In addition, the School will undertake research on the best practices in public administration and also advance the idea of electronic governance.
Dr. Nkomo was appointed by the President to the Nation Public Service Commission, together with Professors Stan Sangweni and Dr. Yvonne Muthien, soon after the first democratic elections in 1994. They served as the first black Commissioners on the Public Service Commission. The body is entrusted with the task of overseeing the entire national public service. They have successfully carried out their brief laying the foundation for the development and continued efficacy of the Department for Public Service and Administration, allowing the department to forge ahead with the task of transforming the public service.
Prior to his appointment as Commissioner, Dr Nkomo headed the think tank on the Civil Service at the International Development Research Centre. Dr. Vil-Nkomo has extensive knowledge and experience in the field of training and education acquired during his many years of being outside South Africa. As the Ministry and Commission, we are convinced that he will diligently carry out the task at the University of Pretoria, and will make a meaningful contribution to public service training and education.
The challenge of training public servants for the new dispensation is of great magnitude. We are certain that worldwide experience indicates that training and education are important requirements for public servants.
We are of the strong conviction that well conceived and proper training must achieve at least the following:
i) Make a major difference in a public servants daily performance of his/her duties. ii) Inspire public servants to demand more training, as it provides them with the latest techniques and best practices to become increasingly competitive, iii) Provide public servants with tools and instruments that make for excellence in governance. iv) Keep them well informed and abreast of the demands placed on them by the service.
The School of Public Administration and management will indeed play a critical role in achieving the above. We wish to congratulate Dr. Nkomo as he ascends to the head of this vital new institution.
Issued by the office of: Dr Zola Skweyiya Minister for the Public Service and Administration Private Bag X916
Inquiries: Prof. Stan Sangweni Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (012) 314-7186