Promoting and Auditing Affirmative Action in the South African Public Service

Abstract

The South African Constitution and concomitant legislation lay the policy foundations for promoting, monitoring and evaluating affirmative action in the South African Public Service which is the largest employer in the country. In 2006, the Public Service Commission, which is a principal oversight state institution, published as part of its Constitutional mandate, a major document entitled: An Audit of Affirmation Action in the Public Service. Its findings and recommendations pose significant challenges for legislators and public managers.