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2008

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2006

	Botswana
	Lesotho
	Samoa
	South Africa
	Nigeria
	Birmingham, UK

Managing the Political Administrative Interface, Botswana

This senior two-day seminar was offered in partnership with the Centre of Specialization in Public Administration and Management (CESPAM). It was designed primarily for SADC officials but the compelling topic and programme ensured that it was of interest and importance to senior public elected and appointed officials anywhere.

This event was held at the Grand Palm Resort, Gaborone, Botswana -- April 11-12, 2006

Programme

Throughout the Commonwealth, the nature of the interaction between politicians and administrators is an important concern of administrative reform. This is perhaps of even greater importance in SADC countries in which relatively new systems and complex socio-political contexts are in place. A meaningful and effective interactive process can help prevent mistakes and missteps in implementing reforms and delivering public services.

What are the issues and challenges in managing the political-administrative interface? How are the principles of good governance and civil service neutrality protected and upheld? Throughout the world, governments are developing different models to manage the relationships where the political and administrative intersect. What are the guidelines for these models, and how have they been modified to suit local conditions? What modifications are relevant in the SADC context?

This seminar brought together Ministers and Permanent Secretaries from central governments and line ministries in SADC and Commonwealth countries to discuss ways to strengthen their working relationships to effectively manage the political-administrative interface. Drawing on the experience of these very senior participants, the presentations and discussions provided insights into the issues and challenges associated with the various models for managing the political-administrative interface, and suggested how these could be managed, particularly in relation to SADC countries.

Objectives

To enhance understanding of the political/administrative interface and the roles and responsibilities of elected and appointed officials;
To identify issues, constraints and problems faced by politicians and civil servants in working together and serving the public.
To share experiences and suggest ways and means for managing the political-administrative interface, in partnership with elected/appointed counterparts.

Speakers/presenters

Hon. Jocelyne Bourgon, former Clerk of the Privy Council (Cabinet Secretary), Canada; and formerly Canadas Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD)
Ms Marie Shroff, former Cabinet Secretary and now Privacy Commissioner, New Zealand
Alhaji M. Yayale Ahmed, Head of the Civil Service of the Government of Nigeria
Ms Lim Soo Hoon, Permanent Secretary, Prime Ministers Office, Singapore
Hon. Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Minister of Public Service & Administration, Republic of South Africa

A report of the seminar was published in July 2006. CAPAM would like to acknowledge the financial support for this report of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), provided through the Public Sector Capacity Building for Governance and Social Sector Development Program, managed by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC).