Parliament, Wednesday, 10 June 2026 – The Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements and Water & Sanitation) has cautioned that continued funding pressures facing the Public Service Commission (PSC) could undermine the effectiveness of the institution, particularly in light of the anticipated enactment of the Public Service Commission Bill.
The committee raised these concerns during its engagement with the PSC on its 2026/27 annual performance plan.
“The importance of the Commission cannot be overemphasised, especially in the context of the drive towards attaining a capable, ethical and developmental state, as espoused by the National Development Plan,” said the Chairperson of the committee, Mr Mxolisi Kaunda.
“Despite this, the expansion of the Commission’s mandate will stretch its already limited budget, which may negatively affect its effectiveness,” he added.
Members of the committee highlighted concerns that the proposed extension of the PSC’s mandate to include oversight of municipalities and state-owned enterprises could significantly increase operational pressures. This is particularly concerning given the well-documented governance and administrative challenges facing many municipalities across the country.
The committee therefore called on the PSC to urgently develop short- to medium-term plans outlining how it intends to balance its expanded responsibilities with declining financial and human resources. The committee further urged the PSC to engage with the National Treasury on the need for additional financial resources to support the implementation of its expanded mandate. Members emphasised that adequate funding will be critical to ensuring that the Commission can effectively execute its oversight responsibilities across national, provincial and local spheres of government, as well as state-owned enterprises.
The committee also committed to engaging with National Treasury to advocate for additional funding for the Commission.
“An expanded mandate must be matched by adequate resources. Without the necessary financial and human capacity, there is a risk that the objectives of the Public Service Commission Bill may not be fully realised. The committee stands ready to support engagements aimed at ensuring that the Commission is adequately resourced to fulfil its constitutional obligations,” Mr Kaunda said.
Members stressed that the expansion of the Commission’s mandate should not become “merely cosmetic” and that adequate resourcing is essential if the PSC is to fulfil its constitutional and legislative responsibilities effectively.
At the same time, the committee welcomed proposals to strengthen the PSC’s binding enforcement powers to investigate and direct public administration. The committee expressed the view that stronger enforcement powers are necessary to prevent government departments and entities from disregarding the Commission’s recommendations.
“The stronger enforcement powers will help ensure that the Commission’s mandate of promoting ethical governance, improved public sector productivity, and value for money is realised,” Mr Kaunda emphasised.
The committee reaffirmed its support for a stronger and more effective Public Service Commission, while stressing that meaningful reform must be accompanied by adequate funding and institutional capacity.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, MR MXOLISI KAUNDA.
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