New South African Laws Target Public Service Accountability

South Africa has enacted three legislative reforms intended to professionalize public administration, strengthen accountability and improve the quality of public services. The Public Service Commission Act, signed into law in September, complements two amendment acts passed in 2025. Together, the measures clarify administrative responsibilities, strengthen merit-based appointments, expand professional training, and tighten integrity provisions, including restrictions on public employees doing business with the state. Heads of department will assume some appointment powers previously held by ministers, increasing the importance of selecting competent administrators. These changes could improve government performance and reduce opportunities for political interference. However, their impact will depend on implementation, enforcement, and whether institutions translate new legal powers into better services.