The Public Servants Association (PSA), representing over 240,000 public-sector employees, has acknowledged President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on Thursday, February 6.
While the PSA welcomed the president’s emphasis on unity, cooperation, and economic recovery, it remains concerned about the practical implementation of key policies affecting public servants and the working class.
The PSA commended the government’s decision to repatriate the remains of 14 South African soldiers who lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, recognising it as “a meaningful step towards closure for their loved ones and a recognition of their service to the nation”.
The PSA said it supports efforts to build “a professional, ethical, and competent public service” but insists that these must be accompanied by concrete measures to address “understaffing, wage stagnation, and the erosion of collective bargaining rights”.
It stressed that public sector professionalisation must include “fair and equitable compensation, job security, and meaningful engagement with unions".
On municipal reforms, the PSA welcomed the establishment of professionally managed utilities for water and electricity but warned that “this will only succeed if there is strong accountability and a commitment to eliminating political interference.”
The PSA acknowledged the government’s planned R940 billion infrastructure investment over the next three years but emphasised that “infrastructure development is crucial, but it will not be sufficient to address South Africa’s high unemployment rate.”
The union urged the government to ensure job security, fair wages, and protection from exploitative labour practices. It cautioned that “continued delays in resolving wage disputes and implementing collective agreements undermine trust in government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of its employees".
Regarding corruption, the PSA noted the government’s commitment to ethical leadership and tackling state capture but stated that “more decisive action is needed to hold accountable those implicated in financial mismanagement and corruption".
The PSA supported efforts to modernise digital public infrastructure but stressed that “digital transformation should not replace physical service delivery but rather complement it to ensure accessibility for all South Africans".
Welcoming the investment in water resources, the PSA warned that “effective oversight is essential to prevent corruption and inefficiencies that have historically plagued water infrastructure projects".
On economic transformation, the PSA acknowledged initiatives like the R20 billion transformation fund for Black-owned businesses and SMEs but emphasised that their success depends on “transparent management, accessibility to deserving businesses, and ensuring fair competition".
While the SONA outlined bold reforms, the PSA stressed that their success depends on “effective implementation, fair treatment of workers, and a commitment to safeguarding public sector jobs".
It pledged to monitor government’s progress and advocate for “tangible improvements in the working conditions, economic justice, and service delivery that affect all South Africans".
IOL