In a recent interview on Chai FM, NSI Director Ivor Chipkin shared his insights on the state of public service in South Africa. The discussion explored the challenges of public services that South Africans regularly interact with, such as licensing and Home Affairs, and whether the criticisms of inefficiency and ineffectiveness are justified.

The conversation explored the varying levels of effectiveness across public service departments, highlighting the challenges faced by dedicated public servants working within dysfunctional environments. It also examined the historical roots of South Africa’s public service system post-1994, shedding light on the ongoing tension between political and administrative roles that continues to impact governance today.

Ivor emphasised that the problem isn’t with the individuals serving the public but rather the structures within which they operate. He also highlighted how the political-administrative conflict leads to inefficiency and dysfunction in government departments.If you missed the interview, you can listen to the full conversation here: