IoDSA CEO Parmi Natesan unpacks SONA's board reform message

“South Africa cannot afford another cycle of unfulfilled promises. Instead of annual SONAs filled with familiar commitments, the country needs tangible action,” says Parmi Natesan, CEO of IoDSA.

The 2025 State of the Nation Address echoed a familiar refrain: the promise of a ‘capable and competent state’ underpinned by a professional public service. President Cyril Ramaphosa, like his predecessors, emphasised the need for ethical, skilled, and qualified public servants, citing the Public Service Commission’s role in appointments.

However, the IoDSA remains concerned that these pronouncements often fall short of tangible action to restore good governance and professionalise the public sector.

Parmi Natesan, CEO of IoDSA, points out, “This track record of empty promises makes us feel like we will just hear the same again at next year’s SONA without seeing any change.”

“We have consistently advocated for independent and merit-based board appointments, including providing input to the Department of Public Services and Administration on a guide for appointing SOE directors. Unfortunately, the lack of meaningful implementation of these recommendations remains a significant concern,” she adds.

King IV unequivocally advocates for a competency-based approach to board composition, emphasising the need for directors with the requisite knowledge, skills, experience and personal qualities necessary for effective governance and oversight.

According to Parmi, the IoDSA has, over many years, advocated for improvements to the nominations process, as well as the professionalisation of board members in the public sector in general. SOEs, in particular, play a critical role in the South African economy and society; and need to be governed well.

“We even provided extensive input to the Department of Public Services and Administration many years back on a guide to the appointment of SOE directors – a step we were confident would make a positive difference – but unfortunately we are not aware of it ever being approved or applied,” she explains.

“South Africa cannot afford another cycle of unfulfilled promises. Instead of annual SONAs filled with familiar commitments, the country needs tangible action,” she cautions. “Professionalising the public sector and enforcing rigorous, competency-based board appointments is a crucial step towards realising the capable and competent state that the President envisions. Without decisive implementation, governance failures will persist, and trust in leadership will continue to erode. It is time for action, not just words,” she concludes.