Sign the Bill, Mr President!
NSI urges President Ramaphosa to assent to the Public Service Amendment Bill
The New South Institute (NSI) respectfully calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa to sign the Public Service Amendment Bill into law, following its final processing in Parliament in the last quarter of 2025.
The Bill represents a critical milestone in South Africa’s long-term efforts to professionalise the public service, strengthen accountability, and restore public trust in state institutions. After years of public consultation, parliamentary deliberation, and refinement, the legislation now awaits presidential assent – the final step in the constitutional process.
Once enacted, the Public Service Amendment Bill will help to:
- Clarify the boundaries between political office-bearers and the administration
- Promote merit, professionalism, and ethical conduct in the public service
- Improve efficiency, institutional integrity, and oversight
- Strengthen accountability in the delivery of services to citizens
At a time when South Africans are calling for a capable, ethical, and responsive state, this legislation offers a concrete framework to advance those goals.
“Signing the Public Service Amendment Bill into law will initiate a third transition in South Africa. The country became a democracy in 1994 and a constitutional state in 1996. The passing of the bill will start a transition towards a relatively autonomous, professional public administration, the foundation of a prosperous and effective state.”
— Ivor Chipkin, NSI Director
“Over the past five years, committed senior officials, academics and think tanks have been working to build a capable and professional state. This Bill builds on that work by providing a strong legislative foundation for restoring confidence in the state and improving the quality of services that citizens rely on every day,” added Chipkin.
The “Sign the Public Service Amendment Bill, Mr President” campaign seeks to:
- Inform the public, in clear and accessible language, about what the Public Service Amendment Bill provides for and why it matters
- Encourage meaningful public participation and informed dialogue on public-service reform
- Respectfully urge the Presidency to assent to the Bill to enable implementation in the coming financial year
- Highlight how effective implementation of the Bill can strengthen professionalism, accountability, and administrative clarity
As the country awaits the President’s decision, NSI invites civil society organisations, public servants, academics, the media, and citizens to engage in a shared conversation about how this legislation can help build a more capable and accountable state.
The Bill is ready.
The moment is right.
Sign the Bill, Mr President!
Issued by the New South Institute
For media inquiries, please contact:
Delani Majola
+27 78 547 4981
+2 710 157 2037 (Ext 104)
delanim@nsi.org.za
www.nsi.org.za
