Issued by: Ministry for Public Service and Administration
4 August 1999
Pretoria
Cabinet today approved national time frames that will ensure the establishment of effective Management Plans. These plans will be crucial in accelerating the skills and service delivery audits of the public service and is based on the new Public Service Management Framework that came into effect on July 1 1999. This process is part of government's commitment towards developing a responsive, cost-effective and efficient public service.
The Management Plans are specifically geared toward fast-tracking the completion of the skills and service audits in order to inform government on how to make the public service a more effective service delivery agent, that is appropriately skilled and right-sized. The outputs will form the basis for a consultative process designed to restructure the Public Service.
By 1 December 1999, the government will have sufficient information to begin meaningful negotiations with unions and other stakeholders on appropriate mechanisms for resolving overstaffing and developing options for under-staffed departments.
To facilitate this process, my Department has established an Integrated Implementation Programme (IIP) which will assist Departments and Provinces in establishing their Management Plans. The IIP consists of four dedicated teams comprised of staff from my Department, assisted by International and Local consultants.
The Department of Finance and State Expenditure are also being approached to provide additional expertise as may be required. In terms of the Framework, political heads of departments have been charged with the responsibility of developing plans for service improvement, appropriate institutional forms and employment of personnel in their respective departments by 1 December 1999. Both departments and Provinces must present feasible Management Plans with clear outputs on:
Additionally, the Management Plans will provide the basis for departments and provinces to develop procedures and policies, which are consistent with the new Public Service Management Framework.
These management plans and analysis will inform Government on the effectiveness of service delivery in the Public Service, identify areas for assistance and inform the efficient size of the Public Service.
The information gathered will provide a good source of data at departmental, sectoral and geographical levels. This will assist in enhancing interdepartmental and intergovernmental co-ordination.
In our initial discussions with provinces thus far, the Northern Province, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape agreed to form joint teams, made up of national and provincial staff to provide specific assistance to these provinces. A fourth team will assist the other provinces and national departments on an adhoc basis where such assistance is needed.
My Ministry has set the 1st of December 1999 as a deadline to achieve these targets. Our department will put every effort to meet these targets before the deadline.
Issued by: Ms. Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Minister for the Public Service and Administration
Media Contacts: Collen Msibi 082 903 0343 or Cindy August 082 309 0344