President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Public Service Commission Bill into law, giving the commission a stronger role in monitoring government and promoting ethical and professional conduct among public servants.

The new law replaces the Public Service Commission Act of 1997 and is aimed at strengthening the independence of the commission, which is responsible for monitoring how government departments operate and whether they are delivering services effectively.

Ramaphosa signed the legislation on Wednesday, as the country observes Public Service Month.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is an independent body established under the Constitution. It is required to perform its duties without fear, favour or prejudice.

In simple terms, the commission acts as an oversight body that can investigate problems in the way government operates, including failures in administration and service delivery.

The new Act expands the commission’s powers and its area of responsibility.

One of the key changes is that the commission’s mandate will now extend to local government and public entities.

This means municipalities and certain government institutions will also fall within the scope of the commission’s oversight.

The commission will also have greater powers to follow up on its decisions.

Under the new law, it can direct an executive authority or another person affected by a decision of the commission to report back on the progress made in implementing that decision.

This provision is intended to ensure that decisions taken by the commission are not simply ignored and that those responsible provide feedback on what has been done.

The Act also introduces consequences for anyone who obstructs the commission while it is carrying out its work.

A person found guilty of obstructing the PSC in exercising its powers or performing its functions could face up to 12 months in prison, a fine of up to R50,000, or both.

The legislation also sets out procedures for the appointment of commissioners by the President.

It provides for the establishment of a secretariat that will support the commission in carrying out its work.

The government says the changes are intended to strengthen the PSC as a constitutional institution and support efforts to build a capable, ethical and professional public service.

Ramaphosa said the new law should be welcomed by public servants and citizens because it could help improve the quality of public services.

“The new Public Service Commission Act should be welcomed by public servants and citizens alike as a means to improve the lives of all South Africans and to enable growth through ethical and efficient conduct in our public service,” Ramaphosa said.

He also called on public servants to follow the Batho Pele principles, which mean “People First”.

The principles require government officials to put citizens at the centre of public service delivery and to treat people with courtesy, transparency and accountability.

“While the Public Service Commission is a critical enabler of improved public services, it is incumbent upon all public servants to honour citizens in line with the Batho Pele (People First) principles and to view their responsibilities as tools of transformation,” Ramaphosa said.

He said the signing of the Act during Public Service Month should encourage public servants to take greater pride in their work and uphold ethical standards.

The legislation comes as government continues its efforts to improve the performance of the public service and strengthen accountability.

For citizens, the expanded powers mean the PSC will have a wider role in looking into problems involving government administration and service delivery.

However, the effectiveness of the new law will depend on how the commission uses its powers and whether government institutions act on its decisions.

The Public Service Education and Training Authority (PSETA) has congratulated the PSC on the enactment of the new legislation, describing it as a significant milestone towards strengthening an ethical, professional and capable public service.

The new Act forms part of the seventh administration’s focus on building a capable and ethical state.

With the legislation now signed into law, the PSC will have a broader mandate and additional powers to monitor government institutions and demand progress reports on decisions it makes.