WATCH: SA’s best policies exist only on paper, Fikeni tells Madlanga Commission

Public Service Commission chairperson Professor Somadoda Fikeni testifies at the Madlanga Commission on Friday.

Public Service Commission chairperson Professor Somadoda Fikeni told the Madlanga Commission on Friday that South Africa has the best government policies that too often remain on paper without implementation.

“South Africa is a cemetery of best policies in the world, but they are not implemented,” Fikeni said, delivering a stark assessment of the country’s persistent implementation and accountability challenges.

Fikeni was testifying about the PSC’s role in strengthening ethical conduct, professional standards and accountable governance across the public service as the commission investigates allegations of criminality and interference within law enforcement agencies.

His evidence also addressed the responsibilities of public servants confronted with improper instructions, highlighting the need for officials to uphold professional ethics and accountability within government institutions.

The testimony comes against a broader backdrop of questions about political and administrative interference, appointments and the influence of personal and professional networks in the public service.

Fikeni’s evidence is expected to shed further light on the institutional safeguards designed to promote ethical administration and accountability.

The commission has previously heard that the PSC found the appointment of Crime Intelligence head General Dumisani Khumalo to be lawful.