On 8 October 2025, the New South Institute hosted a hybrid webinar titled “South Africa at a Turning Point: Building a Capable and Accountable State.” The event brought together participants from government, organised labour, oversight institutions, academia and civil society to discuss the Public Service Amendment Bill (PSAB) and the Public Administration Management Amendment Bill (PAMAB) and their implications for public service reform.

The webinar examined how these two Bills can support efforts to build a more professional, accountable and citizen-focused public service. Speakers and participants reflected on the relationship between politics and administration, the role of senior public servants, and the institutional arrangements needed to limit undue political interference in administrative management.

Adv. Makinde delivered a detailed presentation on the content of the PSAB and PAMAB, outlining the proposed changes to the public service framework. In response, panellists Dr Madumo, Prof Maserumule and Ms Fritz discussed the Bills’ potential to strengthen ethical governance, clarify lines of authority and reinforce the independence and effectiveness of oversight institutions such as the Public Service Commission.

Participants highlighted the importance of predictable career paths for public servants, clear accountability mechanisms, and safeguards that enable officials to raise concerns about wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. The discussion also underlined the need for sustained engagement between government, organised labour and civil society as the Bills move through the legislative process.

This webinar forms part of the NSI’s public service reform programme and its work with partners to support a capable, accountable and citizen-oriented state. A short written report on the discussion and its key recommendations is available for download here.