Catherine Sasman
28 July 2011
AFRICAN Commonwealth countries have for the first time agreed to report on development of leaders in the public sector.
The first country reports that ought to include inventories of progress made in the implementation of national visions and leadership competencies are due in the ninth forum of Commonwealth heads of the African public sector.
The just-ended forum of heads of African public services discussed the state of leadership in the public service across Commonwealth Africa, and reflected on the role of ethical leadership for sustainable development.
Deputy Prime Minister Marco Hausiku said countries are in agreement to have well-funded networked management development institutions that will continue to adapt and generate knowledge to groom ethical leaders and improve service delivery.
“No one has a choice but to have an ethical leadership at the head of governments. It is high time to change the mindset [in public service] to be development focused,” commented Cameroon’s secretary general of the Ministry of Public Administration, Phillip Ngole.
The director of the division of governance and institutional development in the Commonwealth secretariat, Max Everest-Phillips, said there is increasing success of public service delivery, predicting that Africa within 10 years will have a much improved image internationally.
He said Namibia should serve as a role model to other countries on the continent for maintaining law and order, peace and security.
Botswana Secretary to Cabinet and head of public services Eric Molale said some of the actions agreed upon at the Windhoek meeting would foster cross-border cooperation among Commonwealth countries.
Heads of public service agreed to hold themselves accountable for championing ethical leadership cultures for sustainable development throughout the public service.
They requested that the Commonwealth Secretariat provide support in the learning needs of political and administrative leaders on the evolving role of states in a globalising world and complex development challenges.
Another crucial decision was that the public service should identify, attract and retain talent that can facilitate sustainable development, while implementing robust performance management systems and develop performance cultures for accountability and accomplishment of national development goals.
Recognition was also given to the development of adaptive and transformative mindsets critical for sustainable development in Africa.
The leaders also recognised the need for ways to improve citizen empowerment, which they felt is critical to hold governments accountable for results, and to manage diversity in a manner that is transparent and fair.
AllAfrica – All the Time
Read More:
Public Service Indaba ‘Action-Oriented’