Thread by @anthonybut

Patrick Fitzgerald argues there is no prospect of an entirely depoliticised public service, but we have failed to regulate politcisation

#FasttrackingReform @gapp_tt @IChipkin

The exile ANC overestimated the importance of ideology and policy. It underestimated the importance of institutions

Functioning institutions are the key to development, but they are fragile

Erwin Schwella observes that we underestimated the complexity of the transition from the apartheid era public service

At Mount Grace conference the need for professionalization, a value driven public service, and a development oriented state were all broadly embraced

We need better analysis of how we ended up here

Khaya Ngema argues that we must take seriously the sector-specific character of the public service (or the "public services")

We should consider customising public service conditions by sector, for example focusing on specific professions in particular sectors

It was for this reason that Occupation Specific Dispensations (OSD) rightly arose

And this needs to be revisited and taken further

Khaya Ngema points to extremely rapid turnover of senior public servants, for example in the Forum of SA Directors General

We need to move towards permanent appointments

We need to disaggregate (i) the transition from an apartheid civil service from (ii) the issue of affirmative action and (iii) the issue of political appointments. These are three separate issues which must be dealt with in isolation from each other

Busani Ngcaweni @busani_ngcaweni from @thensgZA explains the role of the National School of Government in #FasttrackingReform professionalization process

Senior public servants are like pilots in the cockpit of the state.

They need to master statecraft, understand headwinds, in order to land the airplane of project democracy safely

Need to return to the simulator in the NSG

Maintenance must be accomplished in the hanger so that the plane can reliably and safely take off

If you do not go back to the simulator you lose your flying license

Sometimes the engine needs to be changed.

Five proposals in the framework document:

Pre-screen recruits, use exams to ensure e.g. project management skills

Introduce proper induction and onboarding. This includes a variety of practical skills

Performance management systems followed by recalibration of knowledge -- continuing learning and professional development to be compulsory

Heads of career development and progression are needed at national and provincial levels

Rotate DGs between departments