Transforming the public service to serve a diverse society : can representativeness be the most decisive criterion?

Abstract

The transformation of the South African public service to serve a diverse society is a reality. One of the most important criteria used to measure progress with the transformation process, is representativeness. This article investigates whether representativeness is a sufficient condition for transforming the South African public service to render the best possible service to a diverse South African society. Consequently, this article presents a conceptual framework as an instrument, first, to untangle the major transformation-related concepts in the public service and, second, to determine whether equality and equal opportunities can be achieved for all members of the diverse South African society, if representativeness is the most decisive criterion for public service employment. This framework distinguishes between the ends of transformation (equality and equal opportunities), the various transformation interventions (affirmative action and diversity management), the subjects of these interventions (designated groups and previously disadvantaged individuals), and the prerequisite conditions for these interventions (equity, justice, merit, diversity and representativeness). The article concludes that equality and equal opportunities cannot be achieved for all members of the diverse South African society, should representativeness be regarded as a sufficient condition for public service employment.