The dramatic increase in socio-economic service delivery as well as the decrease in poverty levels since 1994 as a result of pro-poor policies is living testament that life has improved in South Africa.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency for performance monitoring and evaluation, Buti Manamela highlighted the progress government made in improving the quality of life of all South Africans. Deputy Minister Manamela said today during his address at the 15th Association, Public Accounts Committees (APAC) conference in Sun City, North West today.
The conference is attended by local government, members of parliament, provincial legislatures and heads of chapter nine institutions amongst others. The conference is held under the theme: "Enhancing oversight towards ensuring quality service delivery for all citizens".
Deputy Minister Manamela also asserted that government is not being complacent despite the progress made, as the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment still remain.
In response to these challenges government has adopted the Medium Term Strategic Framework for 2014-2019. This is a five-year plan of the 5th administration against which the implementation of National Development Plan (NDP) will be monitored and evaluated so as to address these challenges. Government departments have been directed to align their plans to he MTSF to ensure effective implementation and monitoring.
Deputy Minister Manamela also emphasised Parliament's critical role in the monitoring and implementation of the MTSF.
"This can be done by ensuring that all legislation is in line with the National Development Plan (NDP) and the MTSF, strategic plans and Annual Performance Plans (APPs) of all 156 National and Provincial Departments contain relevant indicators and targets from the MTSF as well as monitoring progress by those departments in implementing the actions in the MTSF and hold departments accountable," Said Deputy Minister Manamela.
Deputy Minister Manamela concluded by taking the opportunity to remind delegates of President Zuma's recent call to go back to basics in ensuring that the basic services of the people of South Africa are met.
To this end the Department of Planning monitoring and evaluation continues to facilitate implementation of the NDP by ensuring that all departmental plans are aligned to the MTSF as well as producing reports to be used by committees to inform their oversight work.
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