Selection in the South African public service: Ideal and reality.

Abstract

In an ideal public service all South Africans would receive professional and effi cient service. However, the reality reveals the contrary. This article provides an overview of the critical role that the selection committees play in appointing competent and qualifi ed candidates amidst the pressures of institutional politics in the South African public service. This article reports on research that was conducted to determine the extent to which the decisions of selection committees infl uence the effectiveness of public service institutions. The authors argue that it would be challenging for selection committees to appoint competent and qualifi ed candidates in an environment that is polarised by political dominance. The fi ndings reveal that institutional political interference and lack of capacity are the major impediments in the appointment of qualifi ed and competent candidates. The authors of this article propose a model that would enable public managers to make decisions that are in the best interest of public institutions and communities.