Response
Question (1):
The department is busy with an employee satisfaction survey in order to identify issues affecting morale amongst employees. The department is also conducting a skills audit to ensure that employees are placed appropriately according to their skills. These will be reported once they are completed.
The newly appointed Acting Director-General has begun a process of interacting with employees to inform them key developments in the department engage in team building and improve morale.
Question (2) Given the reported lack of relevant expertise on skills in the specified report, does her department have a policy regarding the recruitment of senior managers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
Response
The Department has a Recruitment Policy and it is implemented in line with Public Service Commission requirements for Public Service Recruitment practices.
Question (3) Does her department have a fair and transparent recruitment policy that prevents patronage and allows capable candidates to be appointed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details
Response
All appointments within the department are done through the Public Service Regulations, Part VII. Procedures for Appointment, Promotions and Termination of Service. Our recruitment policy is transparent and fair.
Question (4): (a) By what date will existing vacancies be filled and (b) what is the cause of the delay in the appointment of permanent director-general
Response
(a) The department is in a process of filling all the posts and priority is being given to the two service delivery branches – Socio-Economic Support and Empowerment and Stakeholder Management. It is hoped this will be completed by the end of the financial year.
(b) The interview and evaluation processes for the appointment of the Director-General was completed. However, due to administrative challenges between DPSA and DMV the process was stalled. It is hoped that this post will be permanently filled soon.