CLOSING ADDRESS BY MINISTER MASISI @ 10th FORUM OF COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF AFRICAN PUBLIC SERVICE, 1. It is a pleasure to deliver some closing remarks at what I understand has been a highly successful and informative forum, held under the theme: “Improving the Political-Administrative Interface to Achieve Sustainable Development.” On behalf of this Forum, let me begin by expressing our gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat for facilitating this Forum. 3. Let me also thank our family and friends within the Commonwealth, particularly Honourable Ministers and Heads of Public Service for sharing their invaluable experiences and insights about issues related to politics and administration in their respective countries over the last four days. I am confident that the stimulating environment that prevailed in this Convention Centre has contributed, in no small measure, to the generation of ideas, which will translate into practical projects and programmes for the benefit of the citizens of our respective countries. 4. In speaking of political and administrative interface, we should be prepared to acknowledge knowledge and reverse any adverse legacies from poor service delivery on the part of public servants to deteriorated material capacity, weakened institutions and inadequate infrastructure. In this regard, the issues discussed have been highly appropriate. 5. I am informed that the forum concluded that: a. Indeed there will always be a need for politicians and administrators but their relationships should be nurtured to ensure that their combined forces contribute to sustainable development. b. Examples have also been shared where a coercive relationship between the parties has led to undesirable consequences on the path to national development c. It has also been concluded that there should be a common and shared agenda 6. It is interesting to note that the Forum has seen the need to commit to building capacities to nurture the political–administrative interface through various means such as: a. continued dialogue on the issues discussed, b. sharing of experiences to enable learning and growth, and of course, c. the Commonwealth Secretariat has committed to continue providing technical assistance to support Member States in their quest to improve political– administrative interface. 7. Having served as both a technocrat and a politician, I am happy that this issue has been given prominence by the Commonwealth family, owing to the fact that history has shown that though the issue may be regarded as soft, it is, however, a catalyst for success or failure in the development path of nations. 8. If the history of politics and administration teaches us anything, it is that the greatest risks can also become the greatest opportunities in as far as service delivery is concerned. But to realize such opportunities it is invariably necessary for policymakers to prioritize investment in their people. There is thus need to translate existing commitment to human development into effective programmes for delivering essential services and strengthening of our institutions. 9. As alluded earlier by His Honour, the Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe during his Opening Address, my country has put in place various measures and mechanisms to promote good governance, accountability and also clearly defined the roles of both political leadership and administrative leadership. Yet the path to democratic development is a constantly evolving process. We need to constantly come up with new initiatives to better empower our citizens; with an emphasis on greater beneficiary involvement in the delivery of services. As we continuously engage on various issues of global concern, we should consciously articulate Africa’s interests especially when dealing with governance and of course sustainable development. 10. In conclusion, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let me once again thank you for participating in this Forum. I trust you have enjoyed your stay in Botswana. Let me also invite you to take time off and sample Botswana’s rich and diverse cultural and historical heritage as well as our renowned tourist destinations. I wish you safe journey to your respective destinations. PULA!
Posted on: Fri, 26 Jul 2013 12:06:20 +0000
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