The Governance State Capabilities and Institutional Development (GSCID) Cluster of Director Generals convened for a two-day retreat at the UNISA Main Campus in Pretoria on December 2 and 3. The retreat focused on discussions related to government functionality and strategic planning. This event attracted key officials, including representatives from various national and provincial departments and partner organizations.
The Directors General were welcomed by Dr. Robert Nkuna, the Director General of the Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation and co-chair of the GSCID Cluster, who outlined the session’s objectives. Remarks from UNISA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Puleng LenkaBula contributed to a positive tone for the discussions.
Key topics included the importance of the Cluster system in government operations, presented by Ms. Phindile Baleni, the Director General in the Presidency. The session also featured a keynote address by co-chairs Ms Yoliswa Makhasi, Director General of the Department of Public Service and Administration, and Dr Nkuna, who emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts across various government sectors.
Mr. Henk Serfontein presented the GSCID Cluster Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) Framework, outlining a blueprint for future initiatives. Following this, cluster convenors reflected on the alignment of cluster priorities with partner programs, engaging representatives from the National Planning Commission (NPC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
Presentations on flagship cluster project plans were made for the next five years, addressing crucial areas such as alternative financing for municipal projects, public service professionalization, and digital transformation.
Specific themes were explored in greater depth, including government digitalization, the role of state-owned entities, and local government strategies for disaster management. Attendees engaged in discussions to define desired outcomes for state capacity by 2029, identifying key strategic interventions.
Participants at the retreat expressed optimism about their collaborative efforts moving forward, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing government effectiveness and improving service delivery to citizens.
The GSCID Cluster Retreat underlined the importance of strategic planning and cooperation among cluster departments, setting a proactive agenda for the future.
