Item 1471 - Mandela on appointment of Review Commission : Statement by President Nelson Mandela on the appointment of the Presidential Review Commission

TRANSCRIPT

The White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service indicated that although some of the existing structures and agencies, both political and administrative would be responsible for the transformation process, further impetus would be given to the process by some new and additional structures. I have the privilege to announce that I have established one of these structures, namely, the Presidential Review Commission.
The Commission will be headed by Mr Bux Nomvete from the University of Cape Town and will consist of the following part-time local and international contributors:
South African representatives:
Profs Fanie Cloete, Aaron M Ndlovu, Drs Vincent T Maphai ,Norman Levy, Neva Seidman-Magetla ,Ms Motlatjie A Letsebe Ayesha Mohamed, Messrs Sam Marotoba, Lot M Ndlovu, Gavin H Peterson, Clem Sunter
Foreign representatives:
Sir Kenneth Stowe, Drs Al Johnson, M Nzuwah, Mr L Nilsson
The South African contingent consists of academics from a number of universities and technikons as well as persons from the public service, parastatals, local government and the business community whilst the International members of the Commission are from Britain, Canada, Zimbabwe and Sweden, respectively.
We are extremely privileged to have such a select group of people to participate in the Commission. Their contributions will no doubt play a significant role in the transformation of the public service.
The terms of reference assigned to the Presidential Review Commission are to:-
(a) inquire into the structures and functions of the public service and its statutory bodies;
(b) conduct an internal audit and review of each ministry, department, provincial administration, organisation, component, office and agency concerning its objectives, structure, function, staffing, financing and related matters; and
(c) conduct a review and revision of the systems, routines and procedures of planning, budgeting and financial execution in the public service, to increase public accountability.
With a view to making recommendations and proposals regarding the transformation and reform as envisaged in the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service.
In the execution of their task, the Commission will work closely with government departments and other agencies involved in the transformation process. Regular written reports, ad hoc written reports on request, and a final written report containing its principal findings, conclusions and recommendations will be submitted to me by the Commission. This will be followed by the introduction of appropriate reforms in the public service. It is anticipated that the Commission will complete its assignment within twelve months.
President Nelson Mandela
Issued by the Office of the President 29 February 1996For more information contact the Ministry of Public Service and Administration at 021/455491 or 021/4833148 (Thandeka Gqubule)