A conversation with Ivor Chipkin from the New South Institute on public service reform, evidence use, and the role of think tanks

In this OTT Talks episode, Enrique Mendizabal speaks with Ivor Chipkin, co-founder and director of South Africa’s New South Institute, shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Public Service Amendment Act 2025. Chipkin explains how, since 1994, political leaders have held extensive control over public service appointments and operations as a workaround for governing under inherited apartheid-era administrations, but this politicisation later contributed to declining performance, corruption, and “state capture,” with uneven effects across institutions. The new act aims to demarcate politics from administration by shifting key administrative powers to department heads, while politicians set policy and provide oversight, aligning South Africa with civil service reforms seen elsewhere. Chipkin describes NSI’s long-term advocacy and alliance-building from the 2022 reform opening to the 2024 coalition-era shift, and highlights implementation risks, monitoring needs, and the importance of patient funding.