ATC181024: Portfolio committee on public service and administration as well as planning monitoring and evaluation report on the quarterly performance budget vote 8: department of planning, monitoring and evaluation, dated 24 October 2018

Public Service and Administration

Portfolio committee on public service and administration as well as planning monitoring and evaluation report on the quarterly performance budget vote 8: department of planning, monitoring and evaluation, dated 24 October 2018
 

  1. BACKGROUND

The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration as well as Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) having considered fourth quarter 2017/18 and first quarter 2018/19 performance of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and National Youth Development Agency, reports as follows:

 

  1. INTRODUCTION

Parliament through its Committees has a constitutional responsibility to oversee quarterly programme performance information of the departments and its entities throughout a particular financial year. Programme performance information focuses on information that is collected by government departments in the course of fulfilling their mandates and implementing policies. Quarterly performance is vital in enhancing accountability, transparency and oversight on how government resources are being utilised. Departments and their entities are mandated by the Public Finance Management Regulations to prepare quarterly report within 30 days after the end of each quarter.

On September 05, 2018, the Committee considered the fourth quarter’s performance of 2017/18 and first quarter performance of 2018/19 on the performance of the Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation and the National Youth Development Agency. The performance information was in accordance with the Strategic Plans, Annual Performance Plan and Medium Term Strategic Framework. The report provides an overview of the presentations made before the Committee mainly focusing on the achievements, output in respect of the performance indicators and targets set for above-mentioned financial years. The report outlines the findings/observations and recommendations of the Committee relating to the Department and Agency’s performance. 

 

  1. PROGRAMME PEFORMANCE
  1. Programme 1: Administration

The main objective of the programme is to provide strategic leadership, management, administrative, financial and human resource services to enable the Department to achieve its strategic and operational goals. The programme’s objective is to co-ordinate planning, monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the Departmental plans, to promote internal and external communication on the work of the department, to achieve an unqualified audit opinion on financial statements, to hire, develop and retain the right people in the right positions for the department throughout the planning period, to successfully implement and realise benefits from ICT solutions in doing the work of the department and to promote good corporate governance practices and management.

Programme 1 had 11 predetermined targets in 2017/18 financial year. Of 11 targets, 6 were achieved, 2 targets were exceeded and 3 were not achieved. The department was unable to achieve all of its targets due to non-compliance of some officials on the submission of financial interest. 

 In the first quarter of 2018/19 financial year, the Department had 16 predetermined targets, 8 targets were achieved, 3 targets were exceeded and 5 were not achieved.    

 

  1. Programme 2: National Planning Coordination

The main purpose of this programme is to advance the strategic priorities of the department by developing and implementing the outcomes system, monitoring and reporting on its progress, and evaluating its impact. The main objectives are to ensure effective outcomes planning, monitoring and evaluation through facilitating the development of plans of the Delivery Agreements for priority outcomes with government departments, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Delivery Agreements and making recommendations for corrective action on an ongoing basis. In addition, the Department aims to provide advice and technical support to the Presidency, establish and support an effective national evaluation system to inform the government’s work on a continuous basis.

Programme 2 had 4 predetermined targets in 2017/18 financial year. Of 4 targets, 2 were achieved, 1 targets were exceeded and 1 was not achieved. Target not achieved was due to the delays on the submission of the Integrated Planning Framework Bill to Cabinet due to consultation with the new Minister and other critical Departments. However, the Bill was presented to the Cabinet Committee for consideration. 

In the first quarter of 2018/19 financial year, the Department had 9 predetermined targets, 4 targets were achieved, 2 targets were exceeded and 3 were not achieved. Among targets not achieved was a Concept Note with principles and timelines to inform the development of the NDP 5-year implementation plan. Draft NSDF was not released for public comment and the submission of the Annual Mandate Paper to Cabinet for approval and distribution. 

 

  1. Programme 3: Sector monitoring  

The programme is responsible for promoting good M&E practices in government, conducting management performance assessment and support, frontline service delivery monitoring and support and government-wide planning and M&E capacity development and learning. The branch will also be responsible for the proposed Regional Offices. Whereas the OME Branch’s focus is on the management of the outcomes system and the achievement of government’s priorities, the focus of the IPM&E branch is on what can be done to make the organisation function better.

Programme 3 had 4 predetermined targets in 2017/18 financial year. All 4 targets were achieved.

In the first quarter of 2018/19 financial year, the Department had 7 predetermined targets, 5 targets were achieved, 1 target was exceeded and 1 was not achieved. Reason for not achieving the target was due to the delay in extensive consultation of the development of the framework for monitoring the SOEs, SOCs and DFIs. It was anticipated that the target will be achieved in the third quarter.

  

 

 

  1. Programme 4: Public sector Monitoring and Capacity Development

The purpose of this programme is to develop the country’s long-term vision and national strategic plans and contribute towards better outcomes in government through better planning, better long term plans, greater policy coherence and a clear articulation of long term aspiration. The main responsibilities of the programme is to institutionalise and strengthen planning in government by facilitating the development of sectoral plans, ensuring coherence between plans, policies and service delivery across government, ensuring high-level priorities are fed through into plans across all spheres of government and engaging stakeholders on the output of the planning process to ensure buy-in.

Programme 4 had 4 predetermined targets in 2017/18 financial year. Of 4 targets, 2 were achieved, 1 targets were exceeded and 1 was not achieved. The target not achieved was in relation to final MPAT score for the Office of Chief Justice, which was erroneously omitted in the communication. The matter was finally resolved with the Office of the Chief Justice.

In the first quarter of 2018/19 financial year, the Department had 5 predetermined targets, 3 targets were achieved and 2 were not achieved.  The framework for State Owned Enterprises was not developed due to the delays in the appointment of the Technical Working Committee members from the relevant SOEs. The Technical Working Committee will be appointed and the Department to ensure that the target is achieved in the third quarter.   

 

  1. Programme 5: Frontline and Citizen Based Service Delivery Monitoring  

The purpose of the programme is to facilitate service delivery improvements through frontline and citizen-based monitoring and effective resolution systems. The programme is made of the following Sub-Programme which are Citizen Based Monitoring, Executive Support Monitoring and Presidential Hotline. 

 

Programme 5 had 4 predetermined targets in 2017/18 financial year. Of 4 targets, 3 targets were exceeded and 1 was not achieved. In the first quarter of 2018/19 financial year, the Department had 5 predetermined targets, 2 targets were achieved and 3 targets were not achieved. The department was unable to achieve 170 target of Frontline Monitoring, and only 143 visits were achieved due to the fact that department was piloting an integrated area based approach monitoring. The department is consulting with the provinces to fast-track the identification of the service delivery centres. Among targets not achieved include selection of the three government institutions which could not be completed due to the delays in the approval processes. The department is currently engaging with identified government departments and anticipate that the selection will be completed by second quarter.      

 

  1. Programme 6: Evidence and Knowledge Systems

The purpose of the programme is to coordinate and support the generation, collation, accessibility and timely use of quality evidence to support performance monitoring and evaluation across government coordinate and support the generation, collation, access and timely use of quality evidence to support PM&E across government.

 

Programme 6 had 9 predetermined targets in 2017/18 financial year. Of 9 targets, 2 were achieved, 2 targets were exceeded and 5 targets were not achieved. Some of the reasons cited by the department for not achieving the target was the National Evaluation Plan report, which was approved after due date, draft City Support Programme and National Evaluation System improvement plans have been produced but not finalised.

In the first quarter of 2018/19 financial year, the Department had 4 predetermined targets, 2 targets were achieved, 1 target was exceeded and 1 was not achieved. The reason for not achieving the target was a result of policy briefs, which were not disseminated. The department anticipated to achieve the target in the second quarter.     

 

  1. Programme 7: National Youth Development

The purpose of the programme is to develop and implement youth policy and to provide oversight over funds transferred to the National Youth Development Agency. The programme will champion the development and implementation of the youth development policy and integrated planning in government. The programme will be a conduit for the budget of the National Youth Development Agency.

Programme 7 had 3 predetermined targets in 2017/18 financial year. Of 3 targets, 2 targets were achieved and 1 target was not achieved. Non-achievement of the target was because of the delay on the consultation process for the finalisation of the M&E Framework. The framework was however approved by Cabinet. The department was unable to compile quality assurance due to the delay in the submission of the NYDA performance report. In the first quarter of 2018/19 financial year, the Department had 3 predetermined targets and all targets were achieved.     

 

  1. NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (NYDA)

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is an agency established primarily to tackle challenges that the nation’s youth are faced with. The Agency was established by an Act of Parliament, NYDA Act no 54 of 2008. The NYDA Act (2008) mandates the Agency to develop an Integrated Youth Development Strategy for South Africa, and initiate, design, coordinate, evaluate and monitor all programmes that aim to integrate the youth into the economy and society in general. The Act mandates the Agency to promote a uniform approach to youth development by all organs of state, the private sector and non-government organisations (NGO’s).

  1. Programme Performance and Budget

The National Youth Development Agency achieved 96% of the overall performance in 2017/18 financial year. The Agency has spent R455.1 million (99%) of its allocated budget of R457.1 million in 2017/2018 financial year.

The allocated budget for 2018/19 financial year is R488.9 million. In the first quarter of 2018/19, the NYDA has achieved 65% of first quarter budget. The NYDA hosted the June Month program across the country with an increased level of roll out of products and services during the month and the main event hosted in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture and the Gauteng Provincial Government at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. The Agency further hosted the BRICS Youth Summit as part of the BRICS activities, which culminated into BRICS Youth adopting two important policy decisions put forth by South Africa being the establishment of a BRICS Youth Secretariat and representation of youth in the BRICS Business Council. The Agency continued with the rollout of new district centers with five new centers established during first quarter.

 

 

 

 

  1. Programme 1: Economic Participation

The main goal of the Economic Participation programme is to enhance the participation of young people in the economy through targeted and integrated programmes. This programme aims to facilitate and provide employment opportunities for young people; to enhance their participation in the economy, aimed at increasing job creation, entrepreneurship and skills development and the provision of business support to young people. 

Programme 1 had 11 predetermined targets for 2017/8 financial year. Of 11 targets, the programme achieved 10 targets and only 1 target was not achieved. Target not achieved was on the number of young people provided with youth development information. Target not achieved was as a result of the outreach evidence based on estimates which are not accurate due to the size and nature of events that were covered.  

In the first quarter of 2018/18 financial year, programme 1 had 9 predetermined targets. The Agency had achieved 6 targets and 3 targets were not achieved. Target not achieved include the draft project plan for the NYDA Youth fund and number of youth provided with youth development information.  

 

  1. Programme 2: Education and Skills Development

The main purpose of the programme is to promote, facilitate, and provide education and skills development opportunities to young people to enhance their socio-economic well-being, with the objective of facilitating education opportunities. The aim is to improve access to quality education and to facilitate and implement the Youth Build, job-preparedness training, the provision of scholarships and assistance to young people who are rewriting their matric.

Programme 2 had 10 predetermined targets for 2017/18 financial year. All targets were achieved by the Agency. In the first quarter of 2018/19 financial year, the Agency had 2 predetermined targets and 1 target was achieved. Remaining target is to be implemented in the fourth quarter. 

 

 

 

  1. Programme 3: Policy and Research

The main purpose is to create a body of knowledge and best practice in the youth development sector, and to inform and influence policy development, planning and implementation. The fundamental aim of this area is to ensure that policies and frameworks that drive youth development are developed, based on a body of knowledge and facts that are relevant to the developmental needs of the youth of South Africa.

Programme 4 had 3 predetermined targets for 2017/18 financial year. In the fourth quarter, all 3 targets were achieved. In the first quarter of 2018/19 financial year, the programme had 3 targets, 2 achieved and 1 not achieved due to draft structure referred to Human Resource Review committee for recommendation.

  1. Programme 4: Social Cohesion and Nation building

The main goal is to promote and maximise initiatives for the active participation of young people through Social Cohesion, Sports & Recreation and Community participation activism for improved social conditions of young people in South Africa fostering patriotism, social cohesion and nation building.

The programme has been introduced in 2018/19 financial year. The budget allocated in the programme is R37.1 million. The programme intends to develop and implement protocol, procedure and coordination tool for the purpose of the national, provincial and local government in mainstreaming activities aimed for youth development. The Agency intends under this programme to facilitate the development of annual plans by government departments for 2019/2020.

The programme had 5 predetermined targets in 2018/19 financial year. The Agency achieved 4 targets and 1 target was not achieved due to late evidence submitted by the NPO’s on the number of young people enrolled with National Youth Service.

 

  1. Programme 5: Governance and Administration

The purpose of the programme is to achieve efficient and effective utilisation of resources through provision of judicious governance, technology and systems, business operations, human capital, financial management systems that adhere to relevant legislative requirements for public funded entities.

Programme 5 had 5 predetermined targets for the financial year. In the third quarter, 3 were achieved and 2 not achieved. Among targets not achieved include reviews of the Human Resource strategy and roll out of the training plan.

 

  1. FINDINGS AND OBSERVATIONS

The Portfolio Committee made the following observations and findings:

 

  1. The Committee commended the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and the National Youth Development Agency about their fourth quarter (2017/18) and first quarter (2018/19) performance information.

 

  1. The Committee further applauded the Agency on the establishment of the new offices in every district municipality in the KwaZulu Natal Province to ensure accessibility of its programmes. So far, the NYDA had launched five offices in five district municipalities.

 

  1. The NYDA was cautioned to curtail increasing budget on the Administration Programme and channel adequate financial resources to the Grant Funding and Education Programmes, which are aimed at youth development.

 

  1. The Committee urged NYDA to involve all the provinces on Brics projects in order to deepen youth participation and enhance individual development for the benefit of youth development. North West and Northern Cape provinces should be brought on board when engaging on BRICS matters as part of mainstreaming youth development in their provinces.  

 

  1. The Committee was concerned about the accessibility of the NYDA Branch Offices in the Eastern Cape and the impact of offices with insufficient staff to effectively assist young people. Furthermore, the Committee encouraged NYDA to update their website, as information that reflects is outdated such as the contact details of regional managers.

 

  1. Due to high youth unemployment rate in the country, the NYDA was encouraged to collaborate with public sector institutions and private sector to devise strategies to curb rising unemployment figures and develop an effective plan to recruit young people in their respective organisations.    

 

  1. The Committee has reserved and deferred its comments on the presentation by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation due to time constraints, as Members had to attend Steinhoff meeting.  

 

  1. The Portfolio Committee recommends as follows:

6.1       The House adopts and approve performance report of the Budget Vote 8 of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

 

Report to be considered

 

 

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