Professionalizing the public sector is essential to achieving effective governance, transparent institutions, and efficient service delivery, which are foundational for sustained socio-economic development. Around the world, countries have employed various models to build skilled, accountable, and resilient public services, often through meritocratic recruitment, structured training programs, and institutional frameworks that promote integrity and performance. 

This policy brief reviews key international examples, drawing insights from the experiences of Canada, Singapore, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and South Korea. The brief concludes with specific recommendations to provide instructive lessons for  South Africa in its journey towards a more professional public sector, addressing both the challenges and opportunities that such reforms entail.