By Emily Setona
BETHLEHEM – A public meeting on the Public Administration Management Amendment Bill sparked mixed reactions, though the majority of attendees supported the proposed changes. The bill, aimed at improving governance and preventing government employees from conducting business with the state, generated debate among small business owners and community members.
The public hearing, held at Bohlokong New Hall on April 1, was convened by the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and the Office of the Premier, led by Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) councillor Armand Cloete.
Simon Mofokeng from Clarens, representing a business group, strongly backed the bill. “It is immoral for those who work for the state to do business with the state. The country’s economy is not growing because of this. We support the proposed amendments because it is a starting point,” he said.
However, Tiisetso Makhongoana, owner of Phaki and Primrose Trading in Senekal, expressed skepticism. “We have registered companies and have been struggling because government employees are the ones getting the work. We, ordinary people, struggle and suffer. I really don’t understand the value of this bill because we hear about people being investigated, but no one ever gets arrested,” she said.
Mosiuoa Letlatsa, a small business owner from Bethlehem, called for unity. “We all have differing views, but we must remember that we once had no voice. We cannot be against government officials we put in power. Everyone must focus on their contributions to the country. I don’t see a problem with this bill; people just need to understand it properly. I support it. What I suggest is that people need to stand as one and work together.”
Kuben Govendor from the Department of Public Service and Administration explained that the government has introduced this legislation to enhance public service delivery. “This bill ensures that government workers perform their duties efficiently and that citizens receive the services they need on time. It is designed to improve the lives of ordinary people by ensuring government functions better, faster, and fairly for all. It will also help rural communities receive necessary support without delays or corruption,” he said.
Kuben Govendor from the Department of Public Service and Administration explaining the Public administration management amendment bill.
Addressing attendees’ concerns, Govendor added, “We have placed some municipalities under administration where evidence showed mismanagement. We will take the community’s recommendations into consideration to ensure your voices are heard.”
Beyond improving governance, the bill seeks to create a fair business environment by barring government employees from engaging in state contracts, thus providing independent businesses with greater opportunities. The proposed changes aim to reduce corruption, enhance service delivery, and foster a more competitive business landscape.
While some business owners remain doubtful, the majority of attendees agreed that the bill marks a step toward a more accountable and transparent public administration system.
