On 22 July 2025, Yoliswa Makhasi, who leads the public service reform programme at the New South Institute, published an opinion article in Business Day titled “Public service reform must be central to SA’s national dialogue”.

In the article, Makhasi argues that while South Africa has developed an extensive body of visionary public policy, its implementation is hindered by political interference, institutional instability and insufficient administrative resolve. She stresses the importance of placing administrative reform at the heart of the country’s current national dialogue process.

Makhasi reflects on the Department of Public Service and Administration’s recent efforts – particularly the rollout of the Professionalisation Framework and ethics initiatives such as lifestyle audits – but raises critical questions about accountability, behavioural change within the public sector and the real impact of these measures on service delivery.

She concludes by calling for a broader and more inclusive reform agenda, one that restores the capacity, integrity and responsiveness of the South African state through transparent, accountable and evidence-based governance.