20 April 2000
South African and United Kingdom government will sign 3 million pound sterling package for South Africa's Public Service Transformation Programme. South African Minister for Public Service and Administration, Ms Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, and UK International Development Minister, Rt. Hon Clare Short MP, will sign an assistance agreement in London on 20th April 2000.
The R30 million assistance agreement will support South Africa's public service in its efforts to improve performance and efficiency. Within three years, it will help South Africa direct a greater proportion of its Government spending to development objectives and increase public participation in policy-making. Britain's assistance will also support the South African Public Service Commission (PSC) discharge its oversight role over the South African public service and to ensure that the PSC goals are achieved.
Clare Short said, "It has been a great achievement to reform and integrate the divided administration of South Africa's apartheid regime. The challenge now is to make sure that the new public service works for everyone in South Africa.
"The UK is committed to further supporting the efforts of the South African government to reduce poverty and inequality, through more effective delivery of public services to all."
Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, welcomed the support from the Department for International Development, saying that, "it will make an important contribution to South Africa's aim of creating a people-centred and people-driven public services to all."
Ms Fraser-Moleketi is currently in the UK leading a delegation to establish relation with her counterparts; she will also look into the framework of development and programmes for the South African Management Development Institute. This will insight on mechanisms used by Britain in mordenising government strategy.
Media contact:
Tembela Kulu
082-497-3220
Collen Msibi
082-903-0343
Issued By Government Communications (Gcis) On Behalf Of The Department Of Public Service And Administration