Fikeni: PSC can now investigate municipalities without waiting for ministers

By Thapelo Molefe

The Public Service Commission (PSC) will be able to investigate municipalities and state entities on its own initiative without first relying on the ministers responsible for those institutions.

Briefing the media in Pretoria on Sunday, PSC chairperson Professor Somadoda Fikeni said the expanded oversight would allow the commission to intervene more directly in governance and administrative problems across local government and public entities.

“The PSC is empowered to have its own accord investigation without having to depend on the shareholder,” Fikeni said.

The new Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa this month, extends the PSC’s mandate to local government and public entities.

The Presidency said the law strengthens the commission’s independence and its role in promoting professional ethics and effective public administration.

Fikeni said the change was important because ministers are often responsible for appointing the boards or councils of state entities, creating a situation