An evaluation of the implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems in the office of the Premier, Free State provincial government

Abstract

The study examines the current implementation challenges with respect to monitoring and evaluation systems in the Office of the Premier, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Directorate of the Free State Province. M&E systems are indispensable for ensuring the effective functioning of the spheres of government in such a way that policy objectives and effective service delivery are achieved. Since the inception of the Government Wide Monitoring and Evaluations System (GWM&ES) in 2007, provinces are at varying levels of institutionalizing M&E. M&E is an imperative tool for the Office of the Premier to achieve its objectives by providing strategic leadership and to coordinate provincial policy formulation and reviews, planning as well as overseeing effective service delivery. Furthermore, the Office of the Premier is mandated with monitoring the performance of the various departments and ensure that they achieve the government’s 12 priority outcomes as set out in the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF). Lastly provincial governments are tasked with the monitoring of basic municipal services.

For the realization of the aim and objectives of this study, qualitative research methodology is adopted. A semi structured, and structured interview was utilized as a tool that contains the predetermined questions prepared to acquire insight, knowledge and application of the people who are involved and familiar with M&E systems, its implementation challenges as well as best practices that can be replicated across the various provinces.

The literature study is based extensive literature, legislation, policy documents, journal articles, books, conference papers, internet and government reports about, requirements, purpose, principles, objectives, components, and systems of monitoring and evaluation with specific reference to the introduction of the South African Government-Wide Monitoring and Evaluation System. Furthermore, the study investigated the role of the Offices of the Premier M&E Directorate concerning the effective implementation of M&E systems including the GWM&ES as well as identify current monitoring and evaluation processes, practices, challenges as well as best practices. An empirical study, by a process of semi-structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with selected public officials in the Office of the Premier, M&E Directorate and Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) of the Free State province. The study found that there is a lack of M&E culture within the Free State Provincial government (FSPG). The FSPG should clearly, establish a culture of M&E across all provincial government institutions.