North West Legislature Speaker, Dr. Mohono Introduces New North West Province: Public Service Commissioner, Adv Neo Sephoti

Adv. Sephoti is a former Head of Department at the Department of Human Settlements and the Department of Tourism in the North West Province and former Corporate Affairs Manager at the South African Breweries for Central Region. She also brings 10 years of corporate experience, as a strategic corporate affairs leader specializing in public affairs, stakeholder relations, sustainability and communications with highly regulated industries. Her educational background is rooted in law having obtained a B.Juris and LLB degrees from the University of Bophuthatswana and received numerous awards and recognition for her academic achievements and leadership roles during her education.

The process of appointment of the North West Public Service Commissioner was not concluded by the 6th Legislature and during the 7th Legislature, the Rules Committee resolved that the Speaker, Dr. Mohono, should establish an Ad Hoc committee to facilitate recruitment of the NW Public Service Commissioner. The establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee was done in accordance with Rule 186,187 and 188 of the Standing Rules of the Legislature and Section 196 of the Constitution. After numerous interview processes, the Ad Hoc Committee recommended the name of Adv. Sephoti for the position.

The Provincial Public Service Commissioner serves as the oversight authority for the public service within a province, operating under the mandate of the Public Service Commission South Africa in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The role is primarily to promote good governance, accountability, and high standards of professional ethics across provincial departments. In practical terms, the Commissioner monitors and evaluates service delivery, ensuring that government programmes are implemented efficiently, economically, and in line with Batho Pele principles. They also investigate complaints and grievances from the public and public servants, including cases of maladministration, unfair treatment, or unethical conduct.

Dr. Mohono said the legislature and the provincial government was exited that the processes has been completed after numerous appointment processes. “We are very happy that finally the process has been completed and we have a women Commissioner will be ensure that public service is held accountable and the gender equity targets have been met,” she said.

Several members of the Committee congratulated Adv Sephoti led by Hon. Rosho who said the commission’s vision should be about helping the legislature to hold the Provincial Executive accountable and ensure that its reports are regularly processed in the legislature through various Standing and Portfolio Committees. Other ad-hoc committee members who include Hon. Groenewald sent best wishes whilst Hon. Lerato Tsholo said the position has been filled with a dedicated public servant who has served in various management positions in the provincial government and public sector, Hon. Papikie Babuile praised the ad-hoc committee on embracing women empowerment and Hon. Sonakile said Adv. Sephoti will ensure that the commission moves beyond the echelons of provincial government to local government which has been lacking for many years. Other members include Hon. Tebogo Modise, Hon. Karabo Magagane, Hon. Paul Sebegoe and Hon. Ofentse Moema.

Premier Lazarus Mokgosi said the Commissioner should enforce ethical leadership in the public sector. “The Commissioner’s work is to instil effective and efficient governance and accountability in government. We’re happy that she will interface her work with background in both public and private sector and legal fraternity.

Adv. Sephoti informed the legislature that part of her priority is to work with Standing and Portfolio Committees of the legislature to ensure that there is oversight and accountability. “We want to abide to the constitutional values of the commission and cooperate with different legal frameworks,” said she said.

For more information, contact Mr. Kabo Letlhogela on 079 8791448.

Issued by: North West Provincial Legislature: Media & Communications Unit on behalf of the Ad. Hoc Committee on the Appointment of NW Public Service Commissioner – Hon. Motlalepula Rosho.

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