BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – No more resting on laurels, prolonged absenteeism, unjustified late coming and poor delivery of service for civil servants because the Performance Management System (PMS) is now in place.
The PMS is here to encourage a culture of high performance. It is also designed to improve the performance of the public sector and to hold all civil servants to a high standard. The PMS was introduced by Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko at the Hilton Garden Inn, Mbabane.
During the launch yesterday (April 4, 2024) the Minister urged public sector associations (PSAs) to ensure a smooth introduction of the system. He encouraged the PSAs to participate in the process by engaging with the government.
According to Maseko, the system will help advance efficiency and effectiveness through proactive management of staff performance. The goal is to achieve service excellence throughout the entire civil service, and to demonstrate that it is accountable to the public it serves.
He stated also said that the implementation of the PMS will be done in a phased approach, with executive and middle management levels starting to use the system on 4th April 2024, and lower management and supervisory levels starting on July 1, 2024. All other civil servants will be included by October 1, 2024.
The Minister stated that building a productive and motivated workforce that can deliver quality services is of utmost importance. His Ministry believes that a system must be in place to plan, monitor, measure, and evaluate the performance of public servants in order to improve the public service. The implementation of the PMS is a major priority and accomplishment for the Ministry and the government. The PMS is not a new project, but it is still a significant step towards improving the public service.
He further stated that the system will help to improve efficiency and effectiveness through proactive management of staff performance, leading to better service delivery across the entire civil service. He firmly believes that, with the help of the PMS, the civil service can demonstrate its efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability to the public it serves. Every civil servant, regardless of their level, has a role to play in driving change and improving service delivery.
