The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation has voiced its dissatisfaction at explanations given by government departments summoned to explain weaknesses in management practices within their department. This is in response to the 2012/13 Management Performance Assessment Tool (MPAT) results which highlighted certain weaknesses within various departments.
The MPAT is an assessment tool designed by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation to measure performance of government departments. The tool’s main areas of focus include assessment of financial management, human resource management, strategic management, as well as governance and accountability. The Committee summoned the Departments of Military Veterans, Public Works, Water Affairs, Human Settlements, Correctional Service and Justice on the basis that they underperformed on specific areas which impacted on their work.
While the Committee acknowledges that the MPAT is a new management instrument for our country which might require time for departments to fully adhere to, it remains an important tool in improving good governance in government. Furthermore, the full compliance of the tool took countries like Malaysia and Canada, countries which South Africa adopted the model from, up to three years to fully implement the MPAT programme. Full implementation and adherence to the prescripts of the tool remains key in improving internal management systems within departments.
“The National Development Plan clearly emphasises a need to professionalise the public sector through strengthening internal systems as an instrument to improve service delivery. This tool will ensure that accountability and oversight are strengthened,” said Mrs Bertha Mabe, the Chairperson of the Committee.
The Committee was disappointed that the Departments of Military Veterans and Correctional Services did not appear before the Committee as invited. It is more concerning because the Department of Military Veterans showed weaknesses in 15 of the 31 measurement standards and was rated the lowest performing department in the entire Public Service. This included weaknesses in areas such as payment of suppliers within 30 days, professional ethics as well as internal audit.
“The Committee is of the view that they missed an opportunity to receive ideas that would have assisted the department in improving its performance. It remains a worrying factor that this department and many others continue to fail small businesses by their failure to pay within the prescribed 30 days,” Mrs Mabe emphasised.
The Committee would have expected that they would have shared the challenges they face in implementing MPAT focus areas in performing their daily duties. The opportunity would also have given the department a chance to interact with other departments present so that they can share best practice in areas of excellence. This would have also been a platform to strengthen intergovernmental relations between departments and foster sharing of ideas.
Furthermore, the Committee is concerned that the department of Justice, like many government departments, showed weaknesses in ensuring the right to access of information as guided by the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). This is worrying because access to information is an important pillar to a strong democracy as well as improvement of accountability. As the custodian of this important constitutional right, the department should be excelling in this regard. Also, the Departments are still failing in relations to appointment of women and people with disabilities in strategic management areas.
The Committee received and accepted assurances from the departments present that significant improvements would be visible in the coming assessment period. The Committee thus expect significant changes and improvements in the next cycle leading to efficient, effective, and transparent service delivery to the people of this country. The Committee would continue to use the MPAT as an instrument to monitor performance in government. Through this tool the Committee hopes to strengthen platforms for accountability and oversight. Furthermore, the Committee has called for the DPME to present to other Portfolio Committees about the MPAT to empower them with this strategic information to ensure strengthening of accountability and oversight.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Malatswa Evans Molepo
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 073 297 1914
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
