An analysis of the monitoring and evaluation system of the Public Service Commission

Abstract

To design the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system there are ten steps to be followed. These ten steps are advocated for by the World Bank, pioneers in the field of M&E. This study is qualitative in nature, addressing explanatory research perspectives. It focuses on the analysis of the M&E system of the Public Service Commission (PSC) or the “Commission" in South Africa. The central question it seeks to address is: How is the new PSC's M&E system designed, and more specifically, were the ten steps for designing the M&E system adhered to? If not, what were the challenges and what can be done to improve it? The study therefore seeks to engage with the discourse of theory and practice by determining if applicable procedures, principles and best practices in designing the M&E system are used. The overall goal of this study is to provide useful analytical feedback to M&E practitioners within the PSC; key stakeholders and national and provincial departments on the status of the current M&E system used by the PSC. A total of 200 participants provided their views and opinions on the PSC's M&E system. The data was obtained from focus group discussions, non-participant/participant observations of various meetings, workshops and the guest lecture and qualitative content analysis. The results indicate that the PSC's M&E system was properly designed, as there was an attempt to replicate what the World Bank advocates for regarding the design of the M&E system. However, although it is expected of the PSC to monitor compliance with constitutional values and principles (CVPs) on an annual basis and to report to the National Assembly on its activities, the PSC's M&E system is found lacking as it mainly focuses on compliance monitoring and development of indicators at an outcome and impact level. The other weaknesses of the PSC's M&E system relate to the legislative overlap (mandate creep) and lack of promotional activities regarding CVPs. To improve on the system the PSC needs to develop interim norms and standards for compliance with CVPs, whilst waiting for the process to be completed by the duly elected Department of Public Service Administration (DPSA). There should also be a robust programme of promotion of CVPs as departments (nationally and provincially) need to know what CVPs are and what to do to comply with them.