The Office of the Premier in North West has dismissed claims suggesting some of its senior managers are unqualified, asserting that all 45 current senior managers meet the minimum entry requirements for their respective positions.
This response follows a report by the Public Service Commission (PSC) which indicated that only 68% of the Premier’s Office senior managers held suitable qualifications. The report also revealed that 31 out of 348 senior managers across 12 provincial departments in North West did not possess the required qualifications for their roles.
However, the Premier’s Office has since engaged with the PSC and clarified that the figures may be based on outdated or inaccurately captured data during the original qualifications survey.
“The Office of the Premier can confirm that qualifications relating to all senior managers have been authenticated, and they all meet the minimum entry requirements into the senior management service,” the department stated.
An updated report will be shared with the PSC to reflect the verified qualifications, according to the Premier’s Office.
Commitment to Ethical Governance
North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi reaffirmed his dedication to professionalising the provincial public service, saying his administration is focused on ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability.
“Ensuring that our senior managers are suitably qualified is essential to delivering effective and credible public service,” the Premier noted.
The Office emphasized that the integrity of appointment processes remains a priority and that qualification authentication procedures are in place to prevent any irregularities.
Background on the PSC Report
The PSC’s report forms part of a broader audit of senior management qualifications within the North West provincial government. While some departments reportedly still employ unqualified managers, the Premier’s Office insists it is not among them, countering the initial findings.
The matter is now being addressed administratively between the Premier’s Office and the PSC, with an amended and verified qualifications report expected to be published in due course.
