APRM NGC and National Focal Point chart a way forward on APRM Programme of Action

On 22 January 2024, the African Peer Review Mechanism National Governing Council (APRM NGC) of South Africa met with the Minister for Public Service and Administration (MPSA), Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, to discuss the work of APRM  and plans for 2025.

The NGC, led by Mr Thulani Tshefuta, is a key APRM National Structure composed of civil society and select government representatives. The NGC provides leadership, strategic policy guidance and direction to domesticate the APRM nationally, including undertaking public awareness campaigns.

As the APRM National Focal Point, the Ministry for the Public Service and Administration (MPSA) oversees the implementation of APRM programmes and activities in South Africa, and plays a key facilitative and diplomatic liaison role in the APRM system.

Amongst the key discussions, there was agreement on the critical need for enhanced synergy and coordination between the APRM National Structures, including the Focal Point, NGC, and National Secretariat.

In his remarks, the Minister emphasised need to stop working in silos  and commended the Chairperson’s presentation on the NGC’s work and National Programme of Action that is linked to the Second-Generation Country Review, which took place in 2021.

The Minister recommended that immediate steps be taken to facilitate the implementation of the planned activities and to strengthen current collaborations with the Continental Secretariat and Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

 In addition, the meeting reflected on South Africa’s participation in the recent statutory meetings convened by the APRM Continental Secretariat. The meeting also covered the bilateral cooperation between the NGCs of South Africa and Namibia as well as the upcoming 34th Ordinary Summit of the APR Forum of Heads of State and Government, which will be held on 14 February 2025 in Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, on the margins of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government (the Assembly) on 15 and 16 February.

The NGC meeting was also attended by the Deputy Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Ms Pinky Kekana; the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Director-General, Ms Yoliswa Makhasi; and DPSA officials.