17 March 2000
Cabinet has approved two key policies, the powers of delegation and the financial disclosure framework, which will significantly affect the way Heads of Department and senior managers work. Cabinet approved the recommendation by Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, requiring Ministers and Premiers to delegate powers and authority to their Heads of Departments (Directors-General), by 31 March 2000. The recommendation is in accordance with the new Public Service Regulatory Framework launched on 1 July 1999 and the Public Finance Management Act (1999).
The Regulatory Framework substantially amends the Public Service Act of 1994, by empowering Ministers and Premiers to have more control and flexibility in the management of their Departments. In addition, it makes provisions for them to delegate powers and authority to the Heads of Departments, to ensure effective management of their respective Departments.
"We aim to improve our efficiency by ensuring that managers have the required authority to improve daily planning, work organisation and general running of Departments. These matters will be included in their performance contracts," said Minister Fraser-Moleketi. In addition to this, the Public Finance Management Act will see Directors-General charged with the overall responsibility of financial and budgetary management, and transparent use of resources in their respective Departments. Ministers and Premiers have been requested to effect the process of delegation by 31 March 2000.
Meanwhile, as part of Government's anti-corruption and service delivery improvement measures, Cabinet has also approved the introduction of a financial disclosure framework, which will compel Directors-General, Deputy Directors General and Heads of Department to disclose their financial interests. The framework, which comes into effect on 1 April 2000, seeks to minimise conflicts of interest and improper financial transactions in Departments. "It will make it possible to judge whether top managers have a proprietary interest in anything related to their performance as public officials," said the Minister Fraser-Moleketi. The Public Service Commission will be charged with monitoring and evaluating this initiative. The framework might be extended to other managerial levels at a later stage.
Contact: Collen Msibi
Tel: (012) 314 7250 or 082 903 0343
ISSUED BY THE GCIS
FOR MS GERALDINE FRASER MOLEKETI, MINISTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION.