South Africa President signs Public Service Commission Bill into law

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Public Service Commission (PSC) Bill into law, officially enacting the Public Service Commission Act. This new legislation repeals the previous Act of 1997.

The new Act aims to strengthen the independence of the Commission as a constitutional institution and expands its mandate to include local government and public entities. The Commission is tasked with monitoring and evaluating public service practices, investigating administrative failures, and promoting professional ethics and constitutional values.

Under the new law, the Commission has the authority to direct executive authorities to report on the implementation of its decisions. Additionally, the Act establishes a Secretariat to support the Commission's work and outlines procedures for the President to appoint Commissioners. Obstructing the Commission in its duties is now a criminal offense, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, a fine of up to R50,000, or both.