Contribution of Monitoring and Evaluation to Performance and Governance of the South African National Space Agency

Abstract

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is a critical function for ensuring efficiency, accountability, and evidence-based practices in the delivery of services by government departments and entities. South Africa thus introduced a Government–Wide Monitoring and Evaluation System (GWMES) in 2007 to promote evidence-based decision making, enhance accountability and establish a more effective government. M&E is considered a key force for improving public sector performance, yet decades later government institutions face challenges relating to establishing effective M&E systems. This qualitative case study therefore examines M&E within the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) context to assess its contribution to performance and governance within this public entity. Findings of the study established the existence of an M&E system within SANSA, albeit with inadequate efforts towards its institutionalisation to promote evidence-based decision-making, improve performance and governance within the public entity. Key recommendations from the study are thus for SANSA to establish an M&E culture, build organisational evaluation capacity, strengthen advocacy for M&E and ensure effective dissemination and utilisation of M&E information. This can be achieved through the holistic institutionalisation of this entity’s M&E system. A need for capacity building interventions to strengthen internal M&E knowledge, create a conducive environment for employee engagement and promote accountability for performance outcomes was also established by this study. It is further recommended that such measures be augmented by routine communication to raise awareness of M&E practices, enhance transparency, and promote utilisation of M&E information for evidence-based planning and decision- making. The institutionalisation of M&E within the public sector was accordingly identified through this study as an area likely to impact government performance and thus requiring further research.