Madlanga Commission: PSC chair Somadoda Fikeni warns of ‘political economy of inefficiency’ in government

By Bhekizenzo Zonele

Public Service Commission chairperson Professor Somadoda Fikeni has cautioned that South Africa’s public sector is dealing with a problem more serious than a lack of policies, citing a “political economy of inefficiency” that compromises accountability and implementation.

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Friday, Fikeni said the government had laws and policies in place to support ethical and accountable governance, but many departments continued to struggle with organisational culture.

“You might find good servants who later change because of the culture of the organisation,” he said.

Fikeni said this pointed to problems with the working environment rather than simply shortcomings in recruitment procedures or human resources departments.

He said instability and delays in government departments could benefit certain individuals, describing this as the “political economy of inefficiency”.

Fikeni also raised concerns about delays, weak accountability systems, unstable leadership and inadequate coordination between institutions.

“We struggle