The New South Institute (NSI) convened a hybrid event on 8 October 2025 at GIBS Business School, drawing leaders from government, labour, academia, and civil society to unpack the Public Service Amendment Bill, a pivotal reform initiative aimed at strengthening accountability, professionalism, and ethical governance in South Africa’s public service. Under the theme “South Africa at a Turning Point: Building a Capable and Accountable State,” the dialogue was a resounding success. Both in-person and online participants engaged actively, reflecting widespread public interest in shaping a more effective and transparent state.

The panel included:

⇾ Matthew Parks, Parliamentary Coordinator, COSATU
⇾ Prof. Onkgopotse Madumo, Associate Professor, School of Public Management and Administration, University of Pretoria
⇾ Adv. Shukrat Makinde, Director: Litigation and Legal Services, Public Service Commission (PSC)
⇾ Ivor Chipkin, Director, New South Institute (NSI)
⇾ Prof. Mashupye Maserumule, Executive Dean: Humanities, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
⇾ Nicole Fritz, Executive Director, Campaign for Free Expression

Speakers emphasized that the Public Service Amendment Bill represents a major step toward insulating public administration from political interference, reinforcing accountability mechanisms, and building a merit-based, citizen-focused public service.

COSATU’s Matthew Parks, the event’s keynote speaker, voiced strong endorsement for the Bill, affirming organized labour’s commitment to supporting reforms that enhance transparency and delivery while safeguarding workers’ rights. His remarks drew enthusiastic support from attendees, underscoring the growing alignment between government reformers and labour advocates.

NSI Director Ivor Chipkin emphasised that effective reform requires “a shared sense of ownership across society,” adding that “public service transformation is not only an administrative priority, but also a democratic imperative.

The event concluded with a shared commitment among participants to deepen collaboration, strengthen institutional integrity, and ensure that governance reforms translate into improved public trust and service delivery.

About the New South Institute (NSI)

The New South Institute is an independent research and policy organisation dedicated to strengthening democracy, public institutions, and governance in South Africa and beyond. Through evidence-based analysis and inclusive dialogue, NSI advances practical reforms that promote accountability, transparency, and social justice.