The 3rd Annual South African public management conversation

Date: 7-9 December 2005

Venue: Fancourt, George

Introduction

In December 2002 the Minister for Public Service and Administration hosted the First Annual South African Public Management Conversation at which she launched the series. The purpose of the CONVERSATION is to facilitates and stimulate dialogue between academics, public servants, civil society, private sector and internationals on repositioning the public service in line with the new generational thinking and operations in the public service. One of the benefits accrued from the partnership is the entrenchment of real life challenges in the content of public management programmes for relevance. Every year the Conversation focuses on a particular theme. The 2005 Conversation focuses on the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).

The APRM is a self-monitoring mechanism voluntarily acceded to by Member States of the AU with the aim of fostering the adoption of policies, standards and practices that will lead to political stability, high economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated regional and economic integration. It underscores the commitment to implement the codes and standards contained in the Declaration on Democracy, Political, Economic and Corporate Governance.

Democracy and good political governance constitute an important prerequisite for successful economic, corporate and socio-economic governance, touching as they do on the fundamental rights of the citizenry (both individuals and groups), the accountability of government to the governed, and the relative stability of the polity.

In the Declaration on Democracy, Political and Economic Governance, African countries recognise that "good economic governance including transparency in financial management are all essential prerequisites for promoting economic growth and reducing poverty".

Good corporate governance provides a level of disclosure and transparency regarding the conduct of corporations, their boards and directors that enables the supervision of their accountability while ensuring that: they comply with their legal obligations and remissions; are accountable to shareholders and responsible to stakeholders including employees, suppliers, creditors, customers and communities; and act responsibly regarding the environment.

Socio-economic development implies the continuous improvement in the well being and in the standard of living of the people. This section is intended to highlight efforts and progress made in designing appropriate policies and delivery mechanisms in key social development areas.

Programme

• Welcome - Mr Lulama Mvimbi
• Opening - Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moloketi
• Keynote address: "Africa governance challenge" - Dr Kouassi

• Dr Eddy Maloka
• Mr Grant Masterson
• Ms Peroshni Govender & Steven Gruzd
• Muratha Kinutha (Kenya)

• Minister B Mabandla
• Adv. Muswana
• Dr Kwezi Mngqibisa

• Dr Lumkile Mondi
• Mr Pascal Moloi
• Dr Anne Letsebe

• Minister Pahad
• Prof Adam Habib
• Ms Edith Vries

• Mr Simphiwe Cele
• Prof Sibusiso Vil-Nkomo
• Ms Barbara Hogan

• Mr Trevor Fowler
• Ms Hanlie van Dyk Robinson
• Prof Shadrack Gutto

• Mr Ismail Momoniat
• Mr Godfrey Mokate
• Mrs Zanele Mbeki

• Mr Goolam Abubaker
• Dr Olive Shishana
• Mrs Zanele Mbeki

• Prof Willie Esterhuyse
• Ms Noedine Isaac-Mpulo
• Adv. Pansy Tlakula

• Prof Ben Turok
• Prof Stella Nkomo
• Prof Jerry Kuye
• Prof Peter Franks
• Ms Joyce Seroke
• Dr Graeme Bloch

• Wrap up - Prof Richard Levin
• Closing Address - Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moloketi