The “toilet wars” have made apparent the ridiculousness of the major political parties in South Africa. The Democratic Alliance (DA) even allowed a legal process to work its way up …
A longish interview with CNBC Africa discussing state-owned enterprises (also called parastatals). The interview occured in the context of the a presidential review is underway to determine whether all of …
We have been here before. The third major public service strike since 1994 is upon us. During the first major public service strike since democracy, in 1999, trade unions suffered …
Recent reports by the Auditor-General on lapses in the Public Service Code of Conduct by senior managers provide a worrying picture of the state of the public service. The major …
Read moreBuilding Management Capacity and Ethics in the Public Service
Public Enterprises Minister, Barbara Hogan’s comment that public enterprises requiring massive bailouts will be considered for sale, has elicited a polarised response. On the one hand, the statement has found …
Read moreShould South Africa Have a Department of Public Enterprises?
The changed political context defined by the inauguration of President Jacob Zuma is obviously weighing on the minds of workers. Rather than making the reasonable assumption that the new administration …
Read morePublic Sector Strikes are about More than Just Wage Negotiations
The anti-colonial writer, Rabindranath Tagore reminds us, “The only real gift is the gift of strength, all other offerings are vain.” To illustrate this he tells the story of the …
Read moreDeepening Democracy Demands Making Difficult Choices
The truism, same context, different outcomes, applies to the performance of politicians. A select number of politicians have excelled in South Africa, but the public remains unconvinced that the performance …
Read moreIn Search of Politicians That Can Deliver: Is Performance Management the Answer?
The South African dream is that opportunities should not be defined by initial conditions, be they race, gender or class. The Constitution provides the right to education as an important …