The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) South Africa, in partnership with the New South Institute (NSI), is pleased to announce the release of the new research publication Using Data and Evidence to Strengthen South Africa’s Democracy. This evidence‑rich report presents one of the most comprehensive analyses to date of South Africa’s public‑service workforce, drawing on more than 192 million anonymised PERSAL HR records across key service‑delivery departments.
Talent Management in the South African Public Service explores one of the most urgent challenges facing state institutions today: ensuring the right skills are available to deliver effective public services. Drawing on unique, anonymised government HR data, the paper reveals a looming talent crisis driven by an ageing workforce, high attrition rates, and weak succession planning.
Focusing on provincial health departments, it shows how these systemic gaps are already affecting frontline service delivery, particularly in critical roles such as nursing, where shortages, rising resignations, and declining training capacity threaten long-term sustainability.
Beyond diagnosing the problem, the paper provides a clear framework for reform. It highlights the limitations of current public sector HR systems, often constrained by regulation, fiscal pressures, and a compliance-driven culture and sets out practical, evidence-based recommendations for building a stronger talent pipeline, improving workforce planning, and enabling better performance across government.
A compelling, data-driven contribution to the debate on state capacity, this paper is essential reading for policymakers, public sector leaders, and anyone concerned with the future effectiveness of South Africa’s public service.
