New Professional Framework as a Catalyst to Improve Service Delivery in Local Government

Abstract

Professionalizing public service has been the topic of scholarly debate for many years. Such debates have focused more on local government; hence they are identified as main looters of public funds. Poor service delivery in local government continues to be a major issue in South Africa; hence, many citizens find themselves in serious poverty and unfavored living circumstances. In 2020 the Minister of Public Service and Administration has adopted and approved the new national framework for professionalizing the public sector. The framework also emphasizes that the public officials must comply with Section 195 principles of the South African Constitution, Batho Pele principles, and Public Service Chater while also ensuring that qualified and competent staff are appointed for the positions. Therefore, this chapter analyzes the role of this new professional framework in the delivery of local government services.