Professionalisation agenda
End to cadre deployment (practice)

Summary

The Zondo commission found the ANC's cadre deployment policy unlawful and unconstitutional as it contributed to state capture. To remove the ANC's cadre deployment policy is proving to be difficult. The Gauteng High Court dismissed the DA's application that the ANC policy of cadre deployment be declared unconstitutional and unlawful.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No results.

Actions

The DA is taking action to end the ANC's cadre deployment .

Are there plans?

Not part of government's plans.

Is it on the agenda?

DA's agenda to end ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Goals

ANC and government need to scrap the ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Summary

The Zondo commission found the ANC's cadre deployment policy unlawful and unconstitutional as it contributed to state capture. To remove the ANC's cadre deployment policy is proving to be difficult. The Gauteng High Court dismissed the DA's application that the ANC policy of cadre deployment be declared unconstitutional and unlawful.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No results.

Actions

The DA is taking action to end the ANC's cadre deployment .

Are there plans?

Not part of government's plans.

Is it on the agenda?

DA's agenda to end ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Goals

ANC and government need to scrap the ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Summary

The Zondo commission found the ANC's cadre deployment policy unlawful and unconstitutional as it contributed to state capture. To remove the ANC's cadre deployment policy is proving to be difficult. The Gauteng High Court dismissed the DA's application that the ANC policy of cadre deployment be declared unconstitutional and unlawful.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No results.

Actions

The DA is taking action to end the ANC's cadre deployment .

Are there plans?

Not part of government's plans.

Is it on the agenda?

DA's agenda to end ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Goals

ANC and government need to scrap the ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Summary

The Zondo commission found the ANC's cadre deployment policy unlawful and unconstitutional as it contributed to state capture. To remove the ANC's cadre deployment policy is proving to be difficult. The Gauteng High Court dismissed the DA's application that the ANC policy of cadre deployment be declared unconstitutional and unlawful. There has been no development over the last quarter. No broader national abolition has occurred.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No results.

Actions

The DA is taking action to end the ANC's cadre deployment .

Are there plans?

Not part of government's plans.

Is it on the agenda?

DA's agenda to end ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Goals

ANC and government need to scrap the ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Summary

The Zondo commission found the ANC's cadre deployment policy unlawful and unconstitutional as it contributed to state capture. To remove the ANC's cadre deployment policy is proving to be difficult. The Gauteng High Court dismissed the DA's application that the ANC policy of cadre deployment be declared unconstitutional and unlawful.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No results.

Actions

The DA is taking action to end the ANC's cadre deployment .

Are there plans?

Not part of government's plans.

Is it on the agenda?

DA's agenda to end ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Goals

ANC and government need to scrap the ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Summary

The Zondo commission found the ANC's cadre deployment policy unlawful and unconstitutional as it contributed to state capture. To remove the ANC's cadre deployment policy is proving to be difficult. The Gauteng High Court dismissed the DA's application that the ANC policy of cadre deployment be declared unconstitutional and unlawful.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No results.

Actions

The DA is taking action to end the ANC's cadre deployment .

Are there plans?

Not part of government's plans.

Is it on the agenda?

DA's agenda to end ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Goals

ANC and government need to scrap the ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Summary

The Zondo commission found the ANC's cadre deployment policy unlawful and unconstitutional as it contributed to state capture. To remove the ANC's cadre deployment policy is proving to be difficult. The Gauteng High Court dismissed the DA's application that the ANC policy of cadre deployment be declared unconstitutional and unlawful.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No results.

Actions

The DA is taking action to end the ANC's cadre deployment .

Are there plans?

Not part of government's plans.

Is it on the agenda?

DA's agenda to end ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Goals

ANC and government need to scrap the ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Summary

The Zondo commission found the ANC's cadre deployment policy unlawful and unconstitutional as it contributed to state capture. To remove the ANC's cadre deployment policy is proving to be difficult. The Gauteng High Court dismissed the DA's application that the ANC policy of cadre deployment be declared unconstitutional and unlawful.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

No results.

Actions

The DA is taking action to end the ANC's cadre deployment .

Are there plans?

Not part of government's plans.

Is it on the agenda?

DA's agenda to end ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Goals

ANC and government need to scrap the ANC's cadre deployment policy.

Analyst: Thabani Madlala
Status: in-progress
Last Updated:
Next Update:
Reform Area:
Reform:

    If you would like to alert our analysts to an update you are aware of in this particular reform area, please complete the form below and submit it to us. Please ensure you include links to any press releases or other documents to confirm the reforms and provide detail to allow our analysts to assess the changes. Our team will review it.

    Establish director-general in the Presidency as Head of Public Administration.

    Summary

    The position of DG in the Presidency is yet to be created. The Public Service Amendment Bill, which was revived under the new administration (GNU), allows for this reform.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    No action yet.

    Actions

    Work in progress as the Public Service Amendment Bill is before the National Council of Provinces and yet to be enacted.

    Are there plans?

    Forms part of the Public Service Amendment Bill.

    Is it on the agenda?

    Professionalisation of the public administration in the organs of state to improve service delivery.

    Goals

    A new position of director-general (DG) in the Presidency is to be created to act as the head of public administration, responsible for recruitment and the dismissal of accounting officers. Executive authorities will no longer have this discretionary power.

    Documents

    Summary

    A new position of DG in the Presidency is yet to be created. The Public Service Amendment Bill indicates that directors-general of departments will report on operational, organisational and administrative matters.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    The bill is yet to be enacted into law

    Actions

    Work in progress: the Public Service Amendment Bill is before the NCOP.

    Are there plans?

    The Public Service Amendment Bill needs to be enacted.

    Is it on the agenda?

    Driven by the Department of Public Service and Administration under the National Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector (2022). Professionalisation of the public administration in the organs of state to improve service delivery.

    Goals

    The new director-general (DG) is to act as the head of public administration, aiming to enhance coordination and accountability across government operations by creating a central figure to oversee operational and organisational matters across departments.

    Documents

    Summary

    A new position of director-general in the Presidency is yet to be created. The Public Service Amendment Bill indicates that directors-general of departments will report on operational, organisational and administrative matters.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    The bill is yet to be enacted into law.

    Actions

    Work in progress: the Public Service Amendment Bill is before the NCOP.

    Are there plans?

    The Public Service Amendment Bill needs to be enacted.

    Is it on the agenda?

    Driven by the Department of Public Service and Administration under the National Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector (2022). Professionalisation of the public administration in the organs of state to improve service delivery is a government priority.

    Goals

    The new director-general (DG) is to act as the head of public administration, aiming to enhance coordination and accountability across government operations by creating a central figure to oversee operational and organisational matters across departments.

    Documents

    Summary

    A key piece of legislation awaiting the president's signature aims to modernise the public service sector. It introduces a new role for a director-general in the Presidency as head of public administration or service — a position envisioned in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 (p. 55) to build a professional and capable state.
    rn

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    The bill is yet to be enacted into law.

    Actions

    Work in progress: The Public Service Amendment Bill, passed by the NCOP in November 2025, now awaits the president's signature to become law. Enactment was anticipated by year-end 2025 or early 2026.

    Are there plans?

    Phindile Baleni serves as DG in the Presidency, appointed by President Ramaphosa in April 2021. Enactment of the Public Service Amendment Bill is essential to legislatively empower the DG's function to support the president.

    Is it on the agenda?

    Driven by the Department of Public Service and Administration under the National Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector (2022) and the NDP 2030. Professionalisation of the public administration in the organs of state to improve service delivery is a government priority.

    Goals

    The DG in the Presidency is to act as the head of public administration, aiming to enhance coordination and accountability across government operations by creating a central figure to oversee operational and organisational matters across departments. To enable this, the Public Service Amendment Bill revises section 7 of the Public Service Act of 1994, assigning the DG further functions. These include serving as Secretary to the Cabinet and coordinating, convening and chairing the Forum of South African Directors-General (FOSAD), which consists of all heads of department (HoDs).

    Documents

    Summary

    A position of director-general in the Presidency is yet to be created.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    No action yet.

    Actions

    Work in progress. The Public Service Amendment Bill needs to finalised first.

    Are there plans?

    Forms part of the Public Service Amendment Bill.

    Is it on the agenda?

    Professionalisation of the public administration.

    Goals

    A new position of director-general in the Presidency is to be created to act as the head of public administration, responsible for recruitment and the dismissal of accounting officers. Executive authorities will no longer have this discretionary power.

    Documents

    Summary

    The position of DG in the Presidency is yet to be created.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    No action yet.

    Actions

    Work in progress. The Public Service Amendment Bill needs to be enacted into law first.

    Are there plans?

    Forms part of the Public Service Amendment Bill.

    Is it on the agenda?

    Professionalisation of the public administration in the organs of state to improve service delivery.

    Goals

    A new position of director-general (DG) in the Presidency is to be created to act as the head of public administration, responsible for recruitment and the dismissal of accounting officers. Executive authorities will no longer have this discretionary power.

    Documents

    Summary

    The position of DG in the Presidency is yet to be created. The Public Service Amendment Bill, which was revived under the new administration (GNU), allows for this reform.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    No action yet.

    Actions

    Work in progress. The Public Service Amendment Bill needs to be enacted into law first.

    Are there plans?

    Forms part of the Public Service Amendment Bill.

    Is it on the agenda?

    Professionalisation of the public administration in the organs of state to improve service delivery.

    Goals

    A new position of director-general (DG) in the Presidency is to be created to act as the head of public administration, responsible for recruitment and the dismissal of accounting officers. Executive authorities will no longer have this discretionary power.

    Documents

    Summary

    The position of DG in the Presidency is yet to be created. The Public Service Amendment Bill, which was revived under the new administration (GNU), allows for this reform.

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    No action yet.

    Actions

    Work in progress. The Public Service Amendment Bill needs to be enacted into law first.

    Are there plans?

    Forms part of the Public Service Amendment Bill.

    Is it on the agenda?

    Professionalisation of the public administration in the organs of state to improve service delivery.

    Goals

    A new position of director-general (DG) in the Presidency is to be created to act as the head of public administration, responsible for recruitment and the dismissal of accounting officers. Executive authorities will no longer have this discretionary power.

    Documents

    Analyst: Thabani Madlala
    Status: in-progress
    Last Updated:
    Next Update:
    Reform Area:
    Reform:

      If you would like to alert our analysts to an update you are aware of in this particular reform area, please complete the form below and submit it to us. Please ensure you include links to any press releases or other documents to confirm the reforms and provide detail to allow our analysts to assess the changes. Our team will review it.

      Public Administration Management Amendment Bill

      Summary

      The bill lapsed as it was not completed in time by the previous administration.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No action.

      Actions

      The bill was not completed by the previous administration and has been revived by the current administration. It is currently under consideration by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

      Are there plans?

      Forms part of the National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Sector launched in 2023

      Is it on the agenda?

      Professionalisation of the public administration

      Goals

      The bill aims to prevent public servants from doing business with organs of state in order to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to ensure the integrity of the public service.

      Documents

      Summary

      The bill lapsed as it was not completed in time by the previous administration.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      The bill is yet to pass into law.

      Actions

      It is under consideration by the NCOP

      Are there plans?

      To enact the legislation which is in process.

      Is it on the agenda?

      Forms part of the National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Sector launched in 2023.

      Goals

      The core objectives of the bill are to prevent public servants from doing business with organs of state in order to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to ensure the integrity of the public service; and to provide for the constitution of the National School of Government (NSG) as a national department. Currently, the NSG operates under the Department of Public Service and Administration.

      Documents

      Summary

      The bill lapsed as it was not completed in time by the previous administration.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      The bill is yet to pass into law.

      Actions

      It is under consideration by the NCOP

      Are there plans?

      To enact the legislation which is in process.

      Is it on the agenda?

      Forms part of the National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Sector launched in 2023.

      Goals

      The core objectives of the bill are to prevent public servants from doing business with organs of state in order to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to ensure the integrity of the public service; and to provide for the constitution of the National School of Government (NSG) as a national department. Currently, the NSG operates under the Department of Public Service and Administration.

      Documents

      Summary

      This draft legislation seeks to bolster public service efficiency and uniformity across government spheres through strengthened ethical standards and institutional reforms. Parliament passed it in November 2025 and forwarded it to the president for assent.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      The bill is yet to pass into law.

      Actions

      In November 2025, the NCOP passed the bill and sent it to the president for signature.

      Are there plans?

      To enact the legislation which is in process (expected to be signed into law by the end of 2025 or early 2026). This will be followed by phased implementation via ministerial proclamation in the Government Gazette.

      Is it on the agenda?

      Forms part of the National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Sector.

      Goals

      Amending the Public Administration Management Act (2014), the core objectives of the bill are to: (1) Prevent public servants (employees, and now includes directors of public entities) from doing business with organs of state in order to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to ensure the integrity of the public service. (2) Provide for the constitution of the National School of Government (NSG) as a national department. Currently, the NSG operates under the Department of Public Service and Administration.

      Documents

      Summary

      The bill is going through parliament

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No action yet

      Actions

      Work in progress in parliament

      Are there plans?

      Forms part of the National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Sector launched in 2023

      Is it on the agenda?

      Professionalisation of the public administration

      Goals

      The bill aims to professionalise the public service and improve public administration.

      Documents

      Summary

      The bill lapsed as it was not completed in time by the previous administration.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No action.

      Actions

      The bill was not completed by the previous administration and will need to be revived by the current administration.

      Are there plans?

      Forms part of the National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Sector launched in 2023

      Is it on the agenda?

      Professionalisation of the public administration

      Goals

      The bill aims to prevent public servants from doing business with organs of state in order to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to ensure the integrity of the public service.

      Documents

      Summary

      The bill lapsed as it was not completed in time by the previous administration.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No action.

      Actions

      The bill was not completed by the previous administration and has been revived by the current administration. It is currently under consideration by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

      Are there plans?

      Forms part of the National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Sector launched in 2023

      Is it on the agenda?

      Professionalisation of the public administration

      Goals

      The bill aims to prevent public servants from doing business with organs of state in order to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to ensure the integrity of the public service.

      Documents

      Summary

      The bill lapsed as it was not completed in time by the previous administration.

      Canvas not supported.

      Is it working?

      No action.

      Actions

      The bill was not completed by the previous administration and has been revived by the current administration. It is currently under consideration by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

      Are there plans?

      Forms part of the National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Sector launched in 2023

      Is it on the agenda?

      Professionalisation of the public administration

      Goals

      The bill aims to prevent public servants from doing business with organs of state in order to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to ensure the integrity of the public service.

      Documents

      Analyst: Thabani Madlala
      Status: in-progress
      Last Updated:
      Next Update:
      Reform Area:
      Reform:

        If you would like to alert our analysts to an update you are aware of in this particular reform area, please complete the form below and submit it to us. Please ensure you include links to any press releases or other documents to confirm the reforms and provide detail to allow our analysts to assess the changes. Our team will review it.

        Public Service Amendment Bill

        Summary

        The bill promises to promote integrity and professionalism in the public sector. The bill lapsed as it was not completed in time by the previous administration.

        Canvas not supported.

        Is it working?

        No action.

        Actions

        The bill was not completed by the previous administration and has been revived by the current administration (GNU). It is currently under consideration by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

        Are there plans?

        Forms part of the National Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector launched in 2023.

        Is it on the agenda?

        Professionalisation of the public administration.

        Goals

        Integrity and professionalism in the public sector.

        Documents

        Summary

        The bill promises to promote integrity and professionalism in the public sector. The bill is under consideration by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). Key provisions of the bill include: • Devolution of administrative powers: Devolution of administrative powers from executive authorities (eg, ministers) to heads of departments (HoDs), empowering HoDs to perform administrative acts and manage human resources more independently within their departments. This includes providing the HoD with the authority to appoint or dismiss persons in a department (by amending sections 9 and 17 of the principal act). • Establishing a director-general (DG) in the Presidency with the role of improving coordination and accountability across government departments • Functions/powers of executive authorities: Provides the executive authority with powers to intervene if the HoD fails or refuses to fulfil a power or duty as required by the act. If the HoD does not take the necessary steps, the executive authority must report such failure to the President or Premier, as applicable.

        Canvas not supported.

        Is it working?

        The bill is yet to be passed into law.

        Actions

        It is under consideration by the NCOP.

        Are there plans?

        Legislation to be enacted (in process).

        Is it on the agenda?

        Part of the professionalisation of the public administration, the legislation is before the NCOP.

        Goals

        To improve integrity and professionalism in the public sector.

        Documents

        Summary

        The bill promises to promote integrity and professionalism in the public sector. The bill is under consideration by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). Key provisions of the bill include: • devolution of administrative powers: from executive authorities (eg, ministers) to heads of departments (HoDs), empowering HoDs to perform administrative acts and manage human resources more independently within their departments. This includes providing the HoD with the authority to appoint or dismiss persons in a department (by amending sections 9 and 17 of the principal act). It also: requires establishing a director-general (DG) in the Presidency with the role of improving coordination and accountability across government departments; and provides the executive authority with powers to intervene if the HoD fails or refuses to fulfil a power or duty as required by the act. If the HoD does not take the necessary steps, the executive authority must report such failure to the president or premier, as applicable.

        Canvas not supported.

        Is it working?

        The bill is yet to be passed into law.

        Actions

        It is under consideration by the NCOP.

        Are there plans?

        Legislation to be enacted (in process).

        Is it on the agenda?

        Part of the professionalisation of the public administration, the legislation is before the NCOP.

        Goals

        To improve integrity and professionalism in the public sector.

        Documents

        Summary

        The bill promises to promote integrity and professionalism in the public sector. The bill has now been passed by the NA and NCOP and awaits presidential assent.
        rnKey provisions of the bill include: • Devolution of administrative powers: Devolution of administrative powers from executive authorities (eg, ministers) to heads of departments (HoDs), empowering HoDs to perform administrative acts and manage human resources more independently within their departments. This includes providing the HoD with the authority to appoint or dismiss persons in a department (by amending sections 9 and 17 of the principal act). • Establishing a director-general (DG) in the Presidency with the role of improving coordination and accountability across government departments • Functions/powers of executive authorities: Provides the executive authority with powers to intervene if the HoD fails or refuses to fulfil a power or duty as required by the act. If the HoD does not take the necessary steps, the executive authority must report such failure to the President or Premier, as applicable.

        Canvas not supported.

        Is it working?

        The bill is yet to be passed into law.

        Actions

        The bill awaits the president's signature (was expected to be signed into law end of 2025 or early 2026).

        Are there plans?

        Legislation to be enacted (in process). NA and NCOP completed their legislative process.

        Is it on the agenda?

        Part of the professionalisation of the public administration, the legislation is before the president.

        Goals

        To improve integrity and professionalism in the public sector. The key provisions of the bill include: (1) Devolution of human resources powers: These shift from executive authorities (eg, ministers and premiers) to heads of departments (HoDs). HoDs to gain greater independence to perform administrative functions and manage human resources within their departments. This includes providing the HoD with the authority to appoint or dismiss persons in a department (by amending sections 9 and 17 of the principal act). This aims to curb political interference by executive authorities. (2) Enhanced role for the director-general (DG) in the Presidency: Provides the DG with an additional role towards improving coordination and accountability across government departments (as head of public administration or service). This includes oversight responsibilities for intergovernmental relations, focusing on operational, organisational and administrative coordination across national departments to boost accountability.

        Documents

        Summary

        The bill promises to promote integrity in a systematic way and the professionalisation of the public sector. The bill is making its way through parliament.

        Canvas not supported.

        Is it working?

        No action yet.

        Actions

        Work in progress in parliament.

        Are there plans?

        Forms part of the National Framework towards Professionalisation of the Public Sector launched in 2023.

        Is it on the agenda?

        Professionalisation of the public administration.

        Goals

        Integrity and professionalism in the public sector -- no progress.

        Documents

        Summary

        The bill promises to promote integrity and professionalism in the public sector. The bill lapsed as it was not completed in time by the previous administration.

        Canvas not supported.

        Is it working?

        No action.

        Actions

        The bill was not completed by the previous administration and will need to be revived by the current administration.

        Are there plans?

        Forms part of the National Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector launched in 2023.

        Is it on the agenda?

        Professionalisation of the public administration.

        Goals

        Integrity and professionalism in the public sector.

        Documents

        Summary

        The bill promises to promote integrity and professionalism in the public sector. The bill lapsed as it was not completed in time by the previous administration.

        Canvas not supported.

        Is it working?

        No action.

        Actions

        The bill was not completed by the previous administration and has been revived by the current administration (GNU). It is currently under consideration by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

        Are there plans?

        Forms part of the National Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector launched in 2023.

        Is it on the agenda?

        Professionalisation of the public administration.

        Goals

        Integrity and professionalism in the public sector.

        Documents

        Summary

        The bill promises to promote integrity and professionalism in the public sector. The bill lapsed as it was not completed in time by the previous administration.

        Canvas not supported.

        Is it working?

        No action.

        Actions

        The bill was not completed by the previous administration and has been revived by the current administration (GNU). It is currently under consideration by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

        Are there plans?

        Forms part of the National Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector launched in 2023.

        Is it on the agenda?

        Professionalisation of the public administration.

        Goals

        Integrity and professionalism in the public sector.

        Documents

        Analyst: Thabani Madlala
        Status: in-progress
        Last Updated:
        Next Update:
        Reform Area:
        Reform:

          If you would like to alert our analysts to an update you are aware of in this particular reform area, please complete the form below and submit it to us. Please ensure you include links to any press releases or other documents to confirm the reforms and provide detail to allow our analysts to assess the changes. Our team will review it.