PSC ENLISTS FREE STATE TO DEVELOP EXTENDED OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES
By: Neo Ntsele
Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has expressed support for the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) initiative in environmental scanning and relationship-building, calling it timely assistance for the provincial government’s efforts to stabilise and professionalise local government before the November 2026 elections.
This engagement is part of the PSC’s preparations for the upcoming Public Service Commission Bill.
The meeting included the Director General, Dr Molefinyana Phera, DDGs Kuni Ditira and Masetjhaba Sesing, along with senior officials from both the PSC and the Office of the Premier.
The Bill seeks to enhance the PSC as an independent and impartial constitutional body with its own secretariat, aligning with the National Development Plan.
Importantly, it broadens the Commission’s mandate beyond national and provincial public service to encompass municipalities and public entities.
This addresses a 2011 parliamentary resolution requiring the PSC to report on the implementation of constitutional values and principles of public administration across all government levels.
The expanded mandate will be introduced through a carefully phased approach.
Implementation regarding municipalities and public entities will be delayed for 12 months after the Act becomes effective.
Subsequently, it will be gradually rolled out over a period not exceeding three years, depending on resource availability.
This allows the PSC to build capacity, refine systems, and prevent disruption.
In the Free State, the PSC has engaged with Municipal Managers, Mayors, and other stakeholders to understand the local government environment, identify risks, and develop practical tools like an Advisory Guide on Governance Practice.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae confirmed that the Free State Provincial Government is prepared to collaborate with the PSC.
She stressed that a professional, ethical, and stable local government administration is essential both politically and morally to restore public trust and improve service delivery.
The collaboration aims to help municipalities consistently apply constitutional values, enhance accountability, and deliver better outcomes for communities.
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