In the wake of the country's first democratic elections in 1994, the ANC-led South African government moved decisively to transform state institutions, in particular the public service, which were essential to the transformation of society. This article reflects on the more important transformation initiatives since 1994, identifying three distinct phases: 1994-1999 where the emphasis was on transformation of legislation and policy along with institutional restructuring; 1999-2004 which focused on consolidation and implementation of policy, in particular efforts at increasing access to government services, anti-corruption measures and the provision of hands-on support to challenged departments; and 2004-2009 in which government researched and debated the capacity and organisation of the state, including proposals to create a Single Public Service encompassing all three spheres of government. The article analyses some of the publi