The South African government has launched a data collection initiative targeting foreign nationals in public service to enhance governance and national security, addressing public concerns about undocumented workers.

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) said it has launched a wide-ranging data collection initiative focused on foreign nationals in a bid to bolster governance and national security.

The initiative, which is already under way, aims to plug information gaps in existing systems and ensure compliance with national employment standards. According to the department, while the PERSAL system captures most employment-related information, it does not provide the full picture when it comes to foreign nationals working in public roles.

“This current request for data is vital, as the PERSAL system, while comprehensive, does not always capture all necessary information for effective policy formulation and public administration,” the DPSA said.

The department underscored that this effort is not only about collecting figures but about refining the quality of data. “Our commitment to data integrity means that we are not only gathering information but also verifying and analysing it to ensure a comprehensive overview once the process is complete.”

The DPSA’s move comes amid growing public concerns around undocumented or poorly recorded foreign nationals, especially within critical sectors like healthcare. However, the department has poured cold water on claims that “90% of foreign nationals in public health lack documented data.”

“Any claims regarding data deficiencies must be substantiated with credible information,” it stated. “We are working with departments to ensure that all relevant data is current and correctly captured,” the department said.

National security concerns also loom large in the department’s reasoning. “Our existing directive on the Employment of Foreign Nationals outlines strict norms and standards to ensure that such employment does not compromise state security,” the DPSA explained, adding that it works closely with security agencies to “update our directives in response to evolving national security needs.”

While some may see this as a heavy-handed tactic, the DPSA insists that the drive is about strengthening ethical governance. “We view this initiative as an opportunity to strengthen governance and improve public service practices,” the department said. “Our approach emphasises accountability and transparency, with the goal of developing a resilient public administration.”

With data now being consolidated and analysed, the department said it continues to support individual public service departments to ensure accurate reporting.

THE MERCURY

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