The basic values and principles governing public administration under section 195(1) form the basis for public service interaction with society in delivering services to our citizens. These are applicable to all three spheres of government, organs of state, and public enterprises. Section 239 of the Constitution defines an organ of state as any department or administration in the three spheres of government; or any other functionary or institution exercising a power in terms of the Constitution or exercising a public power or performing a public function in terms of any legislation but does not include a court or a judicial officer.

The National School of Government (NSG) draws its mandate from the Constitution, and with particular reference to 195(1) (h), which stipulates that: “good human resource management and career-development practices, to maximise human potential, must be cultivated”. The applicability of this, and the other values and principles to the three spheres of government, organs of state and public enterprises indicates the depth and the reach of the NSG in order to fulfil this constitutional mandate.

The NSG has to ensure that all of the basic values and principles are inculcated into the value system and performance of all public servants and representatives through education, training and development (ETD) initiatives. It does so through its curriculum design, development and delivery approach with the practical application of participatory, people-centred methodologies and indigenous techniques during the ETD initiatives, in building a caring ethos and citizen-centred service delivery focus amongst public servants. This approach consciously focuses on the application of the principles and values of the Constitution and the realisation of the public administrative justice to all whom we serve.

Vision
An Ethical and Capable Public Sector in Service of the People.

Mission
To Empower Public Servants to be Responsive to Citizen Needs and Government Priorities, through Education, Training and Development interventions>>>More Information.