Public sector reforms : the case for South Africa - 1994-2005

Abstract

The planning of reforms in government is of itself a complex and difficult process. This article examines reforms in the Government of South Africa from 1994 to 2005. Reforms in the public sector of South Africa must be understood from the confines of historical perspectives and political accommodation. An extensive review of the literature written by scholars of public administration and political transformation indicates clearly that adequate public sector reforms must be hinged on proper planning, efficient administration and political will. Considering the brief historical overview it is obvious that prior to 1994 the South African public sector and in particular the public service, consisting of some 1,3 million employees, was characterised by fragmentation of structures, lack of co-ordinated policy frameworks, unequal allocation of financial and human resources as well as disregard for the democratic requirement of public accountability. It should be evident that the public service reform that the democratically elected government had to undertake was extensive as well as complex. The article will conclude by highlighting the fact that the legal and policy frameworks have been created to obtain an ethical workforce that operates in a public service that conforms to standards acceptable in an open and democratic society.