Coordination of the government-wide monitoring and evaluation system.
Date
2014-07-28
Authors
Zuma, Nokuthula Pocia
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Monitoring and evaluation systems in the public sector as a performance framework generated interest in most countries around the world as one of the tools to improve public sector performance. However, the fundamental focus has been on the impact of the objectives in the public sector that have contributed towards service delivery for citizens, and which have necessitated a fundamental shift in the way governments conduct their business. The purpose of the study is therefore to contribute towards improved public service performance through the coordination of South Africa’s Government-Wide Monitoring and Evaluation System (GWM&ES). It unpacks the complexity, whilst providing some insight into what could be improved to make coordination of the system yield better results for the public sector. In 2009, the GWM&ES policy framework was approved by cabinet and tabled in parliament, providing a basis for the outcomes approach to address weaknesses in coordinating the implementation of monitoring and evaluation in the public sector. The subsequent establishment of the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) in 2010 was a clear demonstration of the government's commitment to ensuring that performance makes a significant impact on the lives of people. Since the implementation of GWM&ES, the DPME has been faced with facilitation pressures in monitoring the performance of the public sector, such as the coordination and integration of the administrative system. The integration of monitoring and evaluating information in the planning and budget decision-making process is another significant factor. For the purpose of this study, implementation theory through the so-called ‘5C protocol’ (content, context, commitment, coalition and capacity) was selected to form a basis for the discussion and the theoretical framework. The research approach used is qualitative, employing various research methods such as in-depth interviews and document analysis. The findings have identified that in theory there is a contextual understanding of Monitoring and Evaluation in South Africa, but in practice the GWM&ES is lagging behind. In most instances, planning is not integrated, causing a disjuncture in performance information for strategic decision-making that could otherwise improve service delivery.
Description
MM 2013
Keywords
Government productivity, Performance standards, Public administration,Evaluation.