South Africa wanted public servants who would truly serve the needs of its people, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday.

"We need a public service... that is going to conserve our resources. We need public servants who are not going to steal our money. We need public servants who aren't corrupt," Ramaphosa said.

"We need public servants who are going to serve the public... Our Constitution requires that all people in South Africa be served by a professional public administration that works fairly, equitably and without bias."

He was speaking at the launch of public service month and the Thusong service centre at Maponya Mall, Soweto.

Ramaphosa said citizens had a legitimate expectation that services would be provided in a timely manner and close to where they lived.

"Where payment is required, these services should be affordable... We want a public service who are going to be humble."

Earlier, accompanied by Public Service Minister Collins Chabane, Gauteng premier David Mahkura and Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau, Ramaphosa was given a tour of the centre.