Building a capable state through proper human resource management

• Main Authors: Thozamile R. Mle, Xolisile G. Ngumbela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AOSIS 2020-12-01
• Series: Journal of Local Government Research and Innovation
• Subjects: efficiency; effectivity; economically; skills and professionalism; accountability; responsibility efficiency
• Online Access: https://jolgri.org/index.php/jolgri/article/view/15

Background: This article examines the possibility of building a capable state within an appropriate ethical framework and the required human capital spectrum available to a government. South Africa currently faces shortcomings in capability and systemic stasis because of weak political management. The existing research has pointed out the state’s capacity deficit as a major factor that undermines the social and economic progress of South Africa. Aim: The aim of this article was to look at government’s capability of building a capable, ethical and developmental state which is a crucial facilitator for the successful execution of government’s goals of achieving the targets of the 2030 National Development Plan. A developmental state that is going to develop the economy, create jobs and improve the conditions of society standard of living through proper human resource management. Methods: As the main tool for doing this research, this article relied heavily on secondary qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Secondary analysis is a study technique that uses pre-existing quantitative data or pre-existing qualitative research data to analyse or validate previous studies on new issues. Results: The findings point that capacity building is crucial. Fixing political control at the core should be the starting point. Conclusion: There seems to be a complete failure of a build-up towards a capable state in South Africa as the public service shows unevenness with local, provincial and national government capability challenges. A capable state can exist only when an affordable, effective and development-orientated public service can only grow and have a transformative function in order to correct past failures, where government is making drastic changes, enhance and have the requisite effect on society on its bad results.