Reforming the Law and Order Sector as a Key Element of the Public Service Transformation: Lessons learned from the South African Police Service

The objective of this paper is to highlight the transformation of the South African Police Service as a background paper on “Reforming the Law and Order Sector as a Key Element of the Public Service Transformation.” The maintenance of law and order and its importance cannot be emphasized enough in post-conflict recovery and transformation of societies to ensure security and the creation of conducive conditions for the relevant role players to create sustainable development. The South African Police Service played a critical role in the transformation of South Africa during the transition to democracy; and, even after the advent of democracy, it continues to play a vital role in ensuring our democracy matures. The South African Police Service itself underwent a painful transformation, while at the same time maintained safety and security of the country.