Build One South Africa (BOSA) will today submit a formal application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to obtain a copy of government’s new Central Register of Public Service Misconduct.
The existence of this register was revealed by the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Mzamo Buthelezi, in reply to a written parliamentary question from BOSA Deputy Leader, Nobuntu Hlazo Webster. (Attached here)
According to the Minister, the “Public Administration Management Regulations for the Central Register, 2024” were published earlier this year. The system captures data on public servants found guilty of misconduct and dismissed from the Public Service.
While the register was established to prevent the recycling of corrupt or unethical officials between government departments, it remains hidden from public view. BOSA believes this lack of transparency undermines the very goal of building an ethical and accountable public service.
South Africans have a right to know who is on this register, what wrongs they have committed, and whether any of them continue to receive taxpayer-funded salaries.
If the government is serious about ethical governance, it must open this register to the public. Shielding corrupt officials from scrutiny only deepens public mistrust and perpetuates the culture of impunity that has hollowed out the state.
Through this PAIA application, BOSA will request the release of:
- The names and positions of individuals recorded on the Central Register
- The nature of their offences and the dates of disciplinary findings, and
- Their current employment status within the public sector.
Secrecy does not assist in the fight against corruption. We cannot build a professional, ethical state if those who have betrayed the public trust are protected behind closed doors.
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons
BOSA Spokesperson
072 299 3551