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PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONREPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICAPUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS POSED DURING VIRTUAL MEETING OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION, PLANNING/MONITORING & EVALUATION: 06 MAY 2020 @ 16H00 A concern was raised that National-Anti Corruption Hotline (NACH) is not listed as essential service during this pandemic especially as the NACH is necessary to be used by members of public to report behaviour and conduct of members of SAPS, Army, etc. Members of the public should be able to access the NACH.Although the Public Service Commission (PSC) was not listed as an essential government service that is permitted to perform work outside the home, and to travel to and from work under Alert Level 4 in Part O: Public Administration, Government Services, PSC Commissioners and Office of the PSC employees have been working remotely during the lockdown, while critical employees have been on duty. In particular in respect of the NACH, calls are diverted to Call Centre Agents’ cellular phones and case reports are generated and managed remotely. The Minister for Public Service and Administration has declared the Office of the PSC as an essential service.How far is the process of PSC Amendment Bill? Responded to during meeting.Where is the process of the investigation into the allegations made against the DG of the PSC in respect of the filling of a post of Chief Director? Responded to during meeting.There is a worrisome by the breakdown of the budget of the PSC where 77% of the budget is allocated to Compensation of Employees. Responded to during meeting.What is the plan with regard to filling of vacancies of Commissioners in provinces (Northern Cape recently, KZN and Mpumalanga)?The PSC alerted the respective Premiers of the impending vacancies well in advance to ensure that the vacancies are filled timeously. The PSC has no control over the legislative processes regarding the filling of vacancies of Commissioners.Pertaining to Slide 29: How will the PSC devise proper strategy and how does it intend to incorporate its business to include current challenges faced by the Country due to COVID-19?The PSC has in the last two financial years experienced funding constraints in executing its mandate, specifically in respect of conducting inspections. During the lockdown period, the PSC has actively engaged with government departments where service gaps came to its attention or where complaints were lodged with the PSC.Were there deviations thus far in PSC budget? There has been no deviations in the PSC’s budget thus far.Have the issues raised by the AG last time (last audit) been addressed? How far are those? The PSC implemented a comprehensive Audit Action Plan to address the Auditor-General’s findings for the 2018/19 financial year. An interim audit was conducted by the Auditor-General up to the end of December 2019 of financial statements, compliance with legislation - Procurement and Contract Management, Predetermined Objectives and ISA. The Auditor General did not identify any significant findings at that stage of the audit. Which criteria will be used for strengthening the cooperation of executive and managers? The Annual Performance Plan for 2020/21 reflects various forms of engagements with the executive and departments on topical matters falling within the mandate of the PSC, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and enhancing public administration practices. On Programme 3: How should members of public service conduct themselves with the public since there is no training given to them on handling themselves and the public during the outbreak COVID-19 pandemic (especially as most do not receive protective materials)?Since 2018/19, the PSC embarked on an intensive drive to engage with government departments, key societal stakeholders, organized labour and the citizenry at large on the Constitutional Values and Principles (CVPs). These engagements focused on ensuring that the CVP’s are understood, adhered to and find expression in public administration and within society. In respect of the COVID-19 pandemic, government has further embarked on an intensive media campaign to educate the public.How sure is the PSC that its measures are clear and defined?The PSC regularly reviews its Rules issued in terms of section 11 of the PSC Act, 1997. In particular the PCS’s Rules on the investigation, monitoring and evaluation of those matters to which section 196(4) of the Constitution relates to, have also been benchmarked against best practice. ................
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