Protect Local Government Autonomy: Oppose the PSC Bill

South Africa’s local governments are vital to ensuring our communities’ unique needs are addressed. The Public Service Commission Bill (PSC Bill) threatens the autonomy and constitutional rights of municipalities, proposing to centralise power under the national government.

Speak up, be heard, take a stand!

By extending the Public Service Commission’s authority to municipalities, the Bill undermines local accountability and the Constitution’s vision of government close to the people.

Join Free SA in standing against this Bill to protect our democratic foundations and ensure that local government remains responsive and accountable to its communities.

Let your voice be heard! Fill out the form below to submit your comment on the PSC Bill. Together, we can protect local government autonomy and uphold South Africa’s democratic principles.

This campaign closed on 31 March 2025

More about this bill

Key Concerns with the PSC Bill:

  1. Unconstitutional Overreach: The PSC Bill conflates public service and public administration, ignoring constitutional distinctions. Municipal employees are not part of the public service and are governed by separate legislation. Extending PSC authority undermines this framework.

  2. Centralisation Undermines Local Accountability: Municipalities are constitutionally autonomous and accountable to their communities. Centralising power with the PSC shifts accountability away from elected local councils to a national bureaucracy, weakening the democratic process.

  3. Ineffective Oversight: South Africa’s local government challenges stem from poor enforcement of existing laws, not a lack of oversight mechanisms. Adding another layer of bureaucracy does not address cadre deployment, corruption, or non-compliance with current regulations.

  4. Contradicts the Principle of Subsidiarity: The Constitution enshrines the principle that governance decisions should be made at the lowest effective level. The PSC Bill disregards this principle, treating municipalities as subservient extensions of national government.

What we’re advocating for

We call on the NCOP to reject the PSC Bill and instead focus on:

  1. Strengthening enforcement of existing laws like the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
  2. Building capacity within municipal administrations through training and resources.
  3. Holding corrupt officials accountable to restore trust in local government.
  4. Empowering local councils to address community needs without interference from centralised authorities.

How you can help

  1. Submit Your Comment: Use the Free SA platform to share your thoughts on why the PSC Bill should be rejected. Each submission is legally recognized and will be presented to the NCOP.

  2. Spread the Word: Share this campaign with your networks and raise awareness about the threat the PSC Bill poses to local government.

  3. Support Free SA’s Advocacy: Follow Free SA for updates and actions on this campaign and other critical policy issues.

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