Assessing gender equality in the South African Public Service

Abstract: Gender equality is a fundamental requirement for a progressive 21st century society and economy; yet, South Africa still grapples with challenges affecting the attainment of equality across genders, 25 years after our first Freedom Day. It should be noted, however, that this contemporary era has seen robust approaches taken to uplift previously disadvantaged persons, such as women, in employment and other spectrums of life. Modern day South Africa was borne out of historical inequalities that were based in racially-biased policies and practices. Coupled with ancient beliefs that have left a residue of patriarchal opinions on gender equality, the pre-1994 era has caused South Africa to face imbalances that need redressing. Historical factors have also placed South Africa at loggerheads with global developments related to male-domination of workplaces and societies, something that requires urgent intervention in South Africa. In this article, gender equality in the South African public services sector is analysed through the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA). As the custodian of public service polices, the DPSA has adopted and implemented the Strategic Framework on Gender Equality within the Public Service as its gender equality compass and barometer. This article analyses gender equality informed by the tenets of the said Framework as a conduit for building and sustaining a non-racial, non-sexist, and equal modern South Africa. The recommendations of the article include an intensified and fully-fledge public service practice pertaining to gender equality, as well as improved upward mobility for women in top management positions. Such improvement includes mobility resulting from recruitment and promotion augmented by normal processes such as political appointments