MPAT system

DPME has been mandated to regularly assess the quality of generic management practices in departments. A methodology for doing this was developed, in collaboration with the Offices of the Premier, National Treasury and the DPSA, and in consultation with the Office of the Auditor General and the Office of the Public Service Commission.

The methodology has been informed by similar management performance assessments carried out in other countries such as Russia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Kenya, Turkey and India. The methodology involves working with the management of national and provincial departments to carry out self-assessments which are then moderated by subject matter experts and by cross-referencing to data produced by bodies such as the Auditor General, Public Service Commission, National Treasury and DPSA.

In the 2011/12 financial year assessments were made of the quality of management practices in 103 national and provincial departments. These assessments will be carried out annually. The aim of these assessments is to get managers of departments to regularly monitor the quality of their management practices and to implement improvement plans where necessary.