The South African Police Union welcomes calls to depoliticise the civil service.

The South African Police Union welcomes calls to depoliticise the civil service.

A partisan civil service goes against the spirit and efforts of a professional service. To deal with an inefficient, unprofessional and incompetent civil service, employment should be based on the ability to perform regardless of colour, political views or affiliation.

The call is not a threat to affirmative action or the attainment of employment equity goals - policies that Sapu fully support. Qualified and experienced people from previously disadvantaged groups should be given equal employment opportunities to serve the country. While we support policies and processes that promote to redress past injustices, we are mindful of the serious skills shortage. It is therefore critical to retain skilled people.

The sector reflects government policies and practices, hence the failure to provide professional and equitable services undermine the government and its vision of service delivery.

Given the challenges government faces, particularly public-service protests, it is critical to review employment procedures.

The new administration should put people first and ensure that the right people are employed to serve the people who yearn for a professional service.

Oscar Skommere, Sapu acting general-secretary, Pretoria