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23 March 2009

The Minister of Public Service and Administration Mr Richard Baloyi today called on all executing authorities and heads of national and provincial departments in the public service to ensure that employees heed and comply with regulations governing public servants who will stand as candidates in the April 2009 general elections.

Under the Constitution, public servants may not be members of any legislature but may be candidates for election subject to limits and conditions set by national legislation.

In previous elections employees covered by the Public Service Act (referred to as public service employees) were required to resign from the public service when issued with certificates as candidates by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

For the April 2009 elections public service employees who become candidates do not have to resign and may remain in the employ of the public service.

But public service employees must inform their departments when issued with the certificate and submit a copy thereof. These employees are also regarded to be on annual leave from the date the certificates are issued until the election results are finalised.

These changes are a result of a Presidential proclamation Gazetted on Friday, 20 March. The Code of Conduct for public service employees, including those who are candidates, stipulates that they may not abuse their positions in the public service to promote or prejudice any political party's interests and must refrain from party political activities in the workplace.

Public service employees who are elected and assume office are regarded as having resigned from the public service.

Contact:
Sefako Nyaka
Tel: 012 336 1037
Cell: 076 125 3097

Lebo Mafokosi
Tel: 012 336 1017
Cell: 082 312 4641

Issued by: Department of Public Service and Administration
23 March 2009