HOME AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
20 June 2001
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION REPORT ON HOME AFFAIRS
DEPARTMENT; TEBA BRIEFING
Chairperson: Mr. Mokoena (ANC)
Documents Distributed:
Public Service Commission Presentation
TEBA Presentation
Relevant Documents:
PSC Report on Examination of Department of Home Affairs (Oct.
1999-March 2000)
SUMMARY
The Public Service Commission presented its report on the
operations of the Department of Home Affairs (October 1999 -
March 2000). The report focused on administrative problems and
made recommendations which would facilitate more efficient
operation of the Department in accordance with "Batho
Pele" principles, that is, putting "people first"
- both Department staff and customers.
The main recommendations included the need for fundamental
re-engineering of all business processes, and the design and
implementation of a performance management system. As a result of
Department leadership's commitment to better performance, some
improvements have already become apparent. This trend will
hopefully become more evident when a follow-up report is
prepared.
TEBA (The Employment Bureau of Africa Ltd) presented its role in
the SA mining industry and on how mineworkers are recruited. A
key purpose of TEBA's briefing was to categorically refute the
allegations made to the Committee concerning its involvement in
the recruitment of illegal workers, and its role in corrupting
Department officials in that process.
MINUTES
The Public Service Commission was represented by Prof Sangweni,
Deputy Director General Dr R Levin, and Ms. Faure. Prof Sangweni
noted the delay in the publication of the Report, after
completion of the data collection process fifteen months ago, was
due to "regrettable publication problems". This would
hopefully not recur when the Public Service Commission moves to
the next phase in facilitating improvement of the Department's
performance. The Report should not be viewed narrowly, but as a
"comprehensive and far-reaching diagnostic tool"
producing recommendations to improve service delivery by the
Department. The presentation highlighted the methodology applied
to the analysis, and the resulting recommendations.
Dr. Levin supplemented the text by noting that despite the
Department having been targeted for an "intervention",
it was not the only government structure which had not formerly
adhered to Batho Pele principles, and that a culture of such
adherence needs to be inculcated within many departments. There
had not yet been a formal follow-up "audit" of the
Department. However the informal post-Report follow-up reveals
that there has been an effort to implement a strategic plan based
on the Public Service Commission findings. This is particularly
in the areas of service delivery and maximization of human
resource efficiency, with implementation of the recommendations
via the corrective Project Tiro initiative.
Discussion
After the presentation the Chair noted that depending on the
inflection in pronunciation, "Batho Pele" can either
mean "people first" or "where are the
people?" He asked if, in the Report's jargon, the terms
"re-design", "re-engineering", and
"restructuring", are synonymous.
The Professor stated that "restructuring" refers to
internal bureaucratic reorganization. "Re-engineering"
concerns how business is carried out, such as the planned
devolution of civic services delivery from the Department to
local governments.
Dr. Levin elaborated that "service process
re-engineering" refers to the streamlining of
"nitty-gritty, nuts and bolts" delivery functions, and
that "re-design" encompasses both
"re-engineering" and "restructuring."
Transformation is a goal of Project Tiro, and that a program to
combat fraud within the Department is being developed. The Public
Service Commission is willing to assist with this.
Dr Levin agreed that the lack of a Department Director General
during the data-gathering period contributed to the problems
observed. The subsequent filling of that post had led to
performance improvements. Department budget constraints should
not prevent implementation of Project Tiro. While no time had
been finally determined for preparation of a formal follow-up
report, it was hoped that it might be conducted later this year.
Mr Grobelaar (DP) asked if the Department problems are less
financially based, despite perpetual complaints about
underfunding, and more attributable to inefficiencies. He
suggested that the difficulties are largely a function of the
need to "work smarter".
In response Levin indicated that, at least partially, improved
performance is a function of working smarter, adding that it
cannot be unequivocally stated that the Department is not
adequately staffed.
Replying to other questions from Grobelaar, Levin went on to
indicate that judicious reliance by the Department on outside
consultants was useful, as necessary. The Department's new staff
training initiatives, and assistance from SAMDI and SITA, were
helpful but cannot fill all needs.
Mr Waters (DP) asked if the use of converted Spoornet containers
to bring Department services to rural areas had been co-ordinated
in conjunction with delivery of services by other departments.
Also was the Department still "strangling itself in internal
red tape". Speaking to the latter point, Levin indicated
that this is what the PSC was trying to fix.
Mr Beukman (NNP) asked if the PSC is assisting in the development
of Department leadership, and what the PSC's view was of the
level of unfilled Department posts. Levin replied that the PSC is
assisting in leadership development and that while budgeting for
staff is a problem issue productivity has increased, and can be
further improved.
Mr. Mathebe (ANC) indicated that in his rural constituency there
are many empty Department offices, but no deployment of staff
despite repeated requests. In reply it was noted that while the
PSC cannot speak for the Department, it can be said that staff
redeployment involves strategic planning, for example, the
allocation of IT assets.
Responding to Mr. Mfundisi (UCDP), it was noted that an internal
Department audit unit was in place and functioning. Mr Mfundisi
pointed out that there had been 248 formal labor grievances filed
by Department staff. He queried what percentage of the Department
staff had filed these complaints.
The Chair tried to conclude the discussion at this point due to
time constrainst. However Mr Waters and Mr Beukman objected to
questions having been left unanswered. In reply the Chair noted
that PSC officials would return during the next parliamentary
session.
Refutation of Corruption Allegations by TEBA Ltd.
The Chair noted that TEBA had been invited because its policy of
making deferred payments to mineworkers had been noted during
public hearings and to respond to Mr Gabarone's May 30
allegations concerning TEBA's involvement in recruitment of
illegal workers and related corruption of Department officials.
Dr. Herbert’s prepared text explained TEBA's role in
recruiting foreigners to work in South African and other mines.
He described TEBA's role in facilitating provision of labour for
the SA mining industry. In categorically denying Mr Gabarone's
allegations, Herbert emphasized that its recruiting activities
adhere to inter-governmental agreements. At the practical level
there are many checkpoints within the systems which prevent the
kinds of abuses Gabarone alleged. He stressed the contribution
which TEBA makes to the economies of SA and neighbouring
countries and its role as a delivery agent for a range of
"social services" to mineworkers and their families via
its well-developed infrastructure of offices in rural areas. TEBA
had recently been identified by the government as an important
agent for rural redevelopment which is such a critical part of
government's overall economic program. In conclusion Herbert
reiterated that Gabarone's statements are "groundless
allegations", and noted that TEBA welcomes further scrutiny
of its activities.
The rest of the meeting was not monitored. However it was decided
by the Committee that in order to progress on this issue, both Mr
Gabarone and TEBA representatives should be present.