National Treasury highlighted that the key challenge was to reduce the vacancy rate and improve turnaround times for the recruitment process. The current vacancy rate was at 9.5 per cent (121 positions) with a recruitment turnaround time of 20 weeks. In addressing the challenge around improving the turnaround time, discussions were held with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to address the verification process that takes longer than expected. The termination rate has also increased compared to the previous financial year, which has had an impact on the vacancy rate and the replacement rate.