The suspension of public servants in South Africa reveals a landscape currently defined by a crackdown on misconduct, balanced against significant systemic challenges regarding the cost and duration of these suspensions. The conversation has shifted from mere policy discussion to active enforcement, particularly under the Building of a Capable, Ethical and Developmental State priority of the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024–2029. Mondli Makhaya spoke to Prof Mandla Makhanya, Commissioner for the Public Service Commission.