(Ecofin Agency) - In South Africa, candidates for civil service will be assessed on their social media and internet use. On February 13, 2019, Ayanda Dlodlo (photo), minister of civil services, declared that a circular related to this decision has been sent to every ministry. 

The minister explained that this consultative and non-prescriptive reference is an additional check aimed at guaranteeing that the recruitment process is above traditional screening methods.  Up to now, the traditional screening was limited to criminal records, citizenship, financial records, diploma and employment checks.

According to the minister, the public administration has to make sure that every recruited civil servant meets the government’s ambition for a new organizational culture and a professional system.  

This new check does not seek to “suppress or muzzle any ideological or political views of people whatsoever - neither is it designed to disadvantage South Africans on the basis of political party affiliation (…) We are fully aware of the constitutional obligations on privacy of every individual and the fact that government is still seized with the task of developing a policy on internet use. That is why it is important to obtain the consent of the candidate when such web searches are being conducted",  Ayanda Dlodlo said.