Public Service and Administration Budget Review and Recommendations Report

Meeting report

The Chairperson welcomed the Deputy Minister, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo.

Department of Performance Monitoring & Evaluation; National Youth Development Agency BRRR
The Chairperson went through the report page by page and amendments were made. There was discussion on the Recommendations section and amendments were proposed which included:

Ms Z Dlamini-Dubazana (ANC) said point 10.1.4 needs to reflect that instead of increasing the number of DPME staff, the staff at municipalities should be empowered and utilised.

Mr S Motau (DA) said on point 10.1.5, the words “and providing quality services” must be deleted.

Ms Dlamini-Dubazana said that noting point 10.1.5, point 10.1.7 must be deleted.

Ms Dlamini-Dubazana said in 10.1.6 the words “following Cabinet decision” must be replaced to reflect that what is followed is what is in the legislation.

Referring to 10.2 Ms Dlamini-Dubuzana said that there were only two recommendations and asked if member could condense the 17 points into two points since most of this section reflects discussion rather than recommendations. The Chairperson noted her point.

In point 10.2.9 Ms V Mente (EFF) said that the word “drug” must be replaced by “substance”.

The Deputy Minister said the DPSA’s task was to monitor the vacancies with regard to the NYDA.

The Chairperson said that the sentences in 10.2.15 would be better constructed by the technical team. The Chairperson noted the EFF’s objection to the amount of R200 million in 10.2.15.

Mr J McGluwa (DA) said that the Conclusion should clearly state that a warning or punitive measures would be taken with regard to point 10.2.15.

The move to adopt the report, with amendments, was done by Ms R Lesoma (ANC). Ms Dlamini-Dubazana seconded the move.

Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) & Public Service Commission BRRR
Mr A van der Westhuizen (DA) said that the report was received the previous evening and did not give Members enough time to provide a substantial input today.

The Chairperson asked Members to raise any errors with language and minor errors were corrected. She then moved to a discussion on the Recommendations.

Mr McGluwa said that there should be timeframes for the recommendations. Also, in parts of the report, some matters are noted as a concern, when in fact they are recommendations such as in 8.4.

The Deputy Minister said that on point ii and iii on page 15, the Thusong Service Centres are still in the process of being transferred to DPSA. It is working on the problem of broadband in rural areas.

Ms Lesoma said that wage negotiations must be finalised before the end of the financial year so as to avoid strikes. This recommendation must not be left out.

Mr McGluwa said that on page 17, number xxiii, the sentence must properly state that sufficient monitoring controls are in place.

Mr van der Westhuizen said that under point 9.2, National School of Government, on page 17, a sentence should be inserted that the training undertaken would contribute towards credits under the NQF. On page 19 under 9.3 Public Service Commission (PSC) a number of positions are vacant and there must be a recommendation that steps should be taken to ensure that these vacancies are filled.

Ms Dlamini-Dubazana said that the Conclusion must include the sentence that proper monitoring and oversight by the Committee will be done as and when required, according to the schedule of the Committee.

Mr M Ntombela (ANC) moved that the report be adopted with amendments. Mr McGluwa seconded it.

It was agreed that the final versions of the reports would be circulated the next day.

The Chairperson thanked the Deputy Minister and the members for their participation.
 
The meeting adjourned.