The timing of the Role of Oversight and Compliance Bodies in State Capacity Building Conference is particularly critical as the government embarks on strategic sessions to develop five-year programs and annual projects. These discussions come against the backdrop of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework, which outlines our objectives and aspirations. However, the success of these initiatives hinges on effective oversight and compliance. We must recognize oversight not merely as a bureaucratic requirement but as a fundamental element in achieving our service delivery and accountability goals.
As we reflect on the insights shared during this conference, it becomes clear that government departments must articulate clear outcomes, gather relevant evidence, and assess the impact of their initiatives from the outset. Planning is not enough; we must ensure that our programs translate into tangible results that benefit the citizens we serve.
In the South African state context, our approach must be scientific and evidence-based.
Every aspect of governance planning, implementation, and oversight needs to adhere to professional standards. This drive to professionalize the public service has been a continuous journey since 1994, marked by pivotal initiatives such as the Public Service Act of 1996 and, more recently, the Professionalisation Framework approved by Cabinet in October 2022. These efforts aim to cultivate an efficient and accountable public service.
Adopting the Professionalisation Framework by the National Assembly and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is a significant advancement. However, to effectively roll out this framework at the oversight level, we must address several crucial questions: What constitutes the quality of oversight? How should oversight bodies be structured? What qualifications and ethical standards should their members possess?
From our discussions, it has become apparent that oversight measures and compliance are integral to the service delivery ecosystem. Government departments must embed evidence-based assessments within their planning processes. They must be prepared to present their findings to oversight bodies, such as the National Assembly and the Public Protector, and demonstrate the impact of their programs on the communities they serve.
A professionalized public service must prioritize oversight of institutions’ governance, leadership, and management processes, ensuring their members possess the necessary academic qualifications and ethical grounding. Performance oversight plays a vital role in building state capacity. It requires a commitment to accountability from the political executive and senior administration regarding the integrity of policies and programs. Program planning and execution must adhere to rigorous methodologies, while oversight institutions themselves must operate with scientific precision. The quality of oversight reports is paramount, and they must accurately reflect programs’ effectiveness and outcomes.
Ultimately, oversight measures are necessary to test our plans’ credibility and the effectiveness of our service delivery initiatives. In an increasingly complex state environment, the professionalism of oversight bodies is crucial. The more adept these bodies become, the more capable our state will be in serving its citizens effectively.
As we continue on this path to enhance state capacity through robust oversight, let us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that service delivery is not just an aspiration but a measurable reality. The journey towards a professionalized public service is ongoing, and we must embrace these oversight measures to foster accountability, transparency, and, ultimately, better outcomes for all South Africans.
*Ms Yoliswa Makhasi is the Director General of the Department of Public Service and Administration, she was speaking on the second day of the Role of Oversight and Compliance Bodies in State Capacity Building Conference in Johannesburg.