DPME Achieves 11th Consecutive Clean Audit Outcome

The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) in South Africa has achieved a clean audit outcome for the 11th consecutive year, covering the 2022/2023 financial year. The accomplishment is due to the dedication of the department officials, strong corporate governance, and adherence to strict financial controls. The DPME also recorded a 95% performance achievement against their Annual Performance Plan (APP) targets, a 15% increase from the previous year. The Department is actively carrying out evaluations of government programs, collaborating with various sectors, and preparing for the upcoming seventh administration.

What is the significance of DPME achieving a clean audit outcome for the 11th time in a row?

The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) achieved a clean audit outcome for the 11th consecutive year, covering the 2022/2023 financial year. They also recorded a 95% performance achievement against their Annual Performance Plan (APP) targets, a 15% increase from the previous year. This accomplishment is due to the dedication of the department officials, strong corporate governance, and adherence to strict financial controls.

The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) has marked a remarkable milestone by achieving a clean audit outcome for the 11th time in a row, specifically covering the 2022/2023 financial year. This accomplishment is strengthened by an impressive 95% performance achievement against the Annual Performance Plan (APP) targets, a considerable 15% increase from the 80% achievement recorded in the 2021/2022 financial year.

During a recent Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation meeting, the Department’s 2022/2023 Annual Report was presented by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), DPME Minister Ms Maropene Ramakgopa, and Director-General Dr Robert Nkuna. The unblemished audit and enhanced performance were attributed to the unwavering dedication of Department officials, as well as strong corporate governance and adherence to strict financial controls.

Evaluations and Future Plans

To bolster accountability and guarantee the successful execution of government programs and projects, the DPME carried out numerous evaluations of government programs throughout 2022/2023. These evaluations included Operation Phakisa, Land Restitution Evaluation Study, Government Flood Disaster Interventions, and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). Additionally, Minister Ramakgopa announced the Department’s plans to conduct evaluations for Youth Employment Creation Programs and the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan during the 2023/2024 financial year.

The DPME is also actively carrying out rapid evaluations in line with the approved National Evaluation Plan, which is based on the seven priorities of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2019–2024. Furthermore, the Department has drafted and produced different evidence-based reports, such as monitoring the National Development Plan (NDP) indicators, synthesizing research projects to assess and support the NDP implementation, and crafting a stakeholder engagement report on NDP implementation.

Collaboration and COVID-19 Response

Working closely with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC), Minister Ramakgopa informed Parliament members that a second edition of the COVID-19 Country Report is currently underway. The purpose of these reports is to guide future interventions and management strategies for similar health disasters.

Minister Ramakgopa highlighted the significance of interdepartmental collaboration in fostering a competent, ethical, and developmental state that contributes to achieving the NDP development goals. In this context, the DPME will persist in collaborating with various sectors to incorporate a results-based approach, enhancing alignment with the NDP and MTSF by standardizing indicators for sectors with concurrent functions. Importantly, standardized indicators for eight sectors have been approved for implementation in the 2023/24 financial year.

Preparing for the Seventh Administration

The 2023/2024 financial year represents the final year of the sixth administration and, as a result, the last year of the MTSF 2019–2024. The Department has begun planning for the upcoming seventh administration by initiating processes to develop a five-year plan. This plan will be informed by a comprehensive review of the current planning methodology and the integration of innovative approaches such as scenario planning and modeling. The Department remains committed to actively monitoring the implementation of developmental plans, particularly the MTSF 2019–2024, which serves as a stepping stone towards fulfilling the NDP priorities.

1. What is the significance of DPME achieving a clean audit outcome for the 11th time in a row?

The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) achieving a clean audit outcome for the 11th year in a row, covering the 2022/2023 financial year, is a remarkable achievement. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of the department officials, strong corporate governance, and adherence to strict financial controls. It also demonstrates the excellent performance of DPME as they recorded a 95% performance achievement against their Annual Performance Plan (APP) targets, a 15% increase from the previous year.

2. What evaluations did DPME carry out in 2022/2023?

To ensure transparency and accountability in the execution of government programs and projects, DPME conducted numerous evaluations of government programs in 2022/2023. These evaluations included Operation Phakisa, Land Restitution Evaluation Study, Government Flood Disaster Interventions, and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). DPME also has plans to conduct evaluations for Youth Employment Creation Programs and the National Food and Nutrition Security Plan in the 2023/2024 financial year.

3. What is the National Evaluation Plan, and how is DPME implementing it?

The National Evaluation Plan is a framework that outlines the priorities for evaluations in South Africa. It is based on the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2019–2024 and identifies seven priorities for evaluation. DPME is implementing this plan by carrying out rapid evaluations in line with the approved National Evaluation Plan. Additionally, the department has drafted and produced different evidence-based reports, such as monitoring the National Development Plan (NDP) indicators, synthesizing research projects to assess and support the NDP implementation, and crafting a stakeholder engagement report on NDP implementation.

4. How is DPME collaborating with other departments and sectors?

DPME is collaborating with other departments and sectors to foster a competent, ethical, and developmental state that contributes to achieving the National Development Plan (NDP) development goals. The department is working with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) to develop a second edition of the COVID-19 Country Report. DPME is also collaborating with various sectors to incorporate a results-based approach, enhancing alignment with the NDP and MTSF by standardizing indicators for sectors with concurrent functions.

5. What is the purpose of the COVID-19 Country Report?

The COVID-19 Country Report is developed by DPME in collaboration with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC). The purpose of this report is to guide future interventions and management strategies for similar health disasters.

6. What is DPME doing to prepare for the upcoming seventh administration?

The DPME has begun planning for the upcoming seventh administration by initiating processes to develop a five-year plan. This plan will be informed by a comprehensive review of the current planning methodology and the integration of innovative approaches such as scenario planning and modeling. The department remains committed to actively monitoring the implementation of developmental plans, particularly the MTSF 2019–2024, which serves as a stepping stone towards fulfilling the NDP priorities.

7. What is the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2019–2024?

The Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2019–2024 is a five-year strategic plan that outlines the government’s priorities and objectives. It serves as a stepping stone towards fulfilling the National Development Plan (NDP) priorities. DPME is actively monitoring the implementation of this framework to ensure that developmental plans are effectively executed.

8. What other reports has DPME produced?

DPME has produced various evidence-based reports, such as monitoring the National Development Plan (NDP) indicators, synthesizing research projects to assess and support the NDP implementation, and crafting a stakeholder engagement report on NDP implementation. These reports provide valuable insights that inform the government’s decision-making processes.