With the focus of many discussions and debates centered on public sector service delivery this article examines Max Weber's bureaucracy in the 21st century. Many are of the opinion that Weber's bureaucracy depicts red tape, delays and rigidity. However, this author's intention is to demonstrate that the bureaucracy is indeed a rational organization that, if adapted to modern day political, social and economic conditions can contribute towards improved service delivery by the South African public sector. The article also makes reference to the complexities of the rational organization against the New Public Management theory. Here reference is made to public sector reforms which include, inter alia, the principles of Batho Pele and Performance Management Systems. The initial discussion focuses on Max Weber's bureaucracy as advocated in the 18th century. The discussion progresses to highlight the demands