Issued by: Ministry for Public Service and Administration
24 May 2000
The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) will over the next few months be leading an intensive government-wide initiative aimed at improving the information it has on its employees. This is in line with the priorities that I announced for the DPSA in 1999. These priorities included improving information on the Public Service and development of a well-functioning Personnel information management system. As part of the ongoing work to deliver on these priorities, the project will aim to update essential information on Public Service employees and, where necessary, will attempt to verify the information collected.
Essential information will include the following:
To ensure that the information is more accurate on an ongoing and sustainable basis, the initiative will also attempt to introduce controls, information management protocols, and other measures.
Since 1996, a number of departments and provinces have embarked on projects and campaigns to improve the information. Some of these initiatives are still in progress. These initiatives have resulted in significant improvements in the information base of government.
However, the challenges of public service reform and the successful implementation of the new regulatory framework require a higher level of information. The DPSA initiative will therefore seek to advance, intensify and consolidate past and current initiatives.
It should be emphasised that the project is part of the ongoing work of Government and should not be construed as a "probe" into qualifications of senior personnel. Government does not have the intention of casting aspersions on the integrity of senior public servant. In the few instances where particular questions are raised regarding misrepresentation of qualifications, investigations will be conducted on the basis of available evidence and in accordance with applicable Public Service laws and regulations.
Media contact: Tembela Kulu @ 082-497-3220
Collen Msibi @ 082-903-0343