24
Apr
South Africa will soon come full circle in its assessment as part of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). The country has begun preparation for the second generation review after completing the first one in 2007.
The review is a self-assessment created by African leaders in 2003 under the New Partnership for Africa’s Development to promote good governance, economic development and social progress.
It is widely regarded as an innovative approach designed and implemented by Africans for Africa.
Participation and compliance is voluntary. It demonstrates the commitment of the leadership of the respective African countries to good governance and public accountability.
There are 33 African Union Member States participating in the APRM process of which 17 have been reviewed by their peers.
The APRM involves a self-assessment guided by an APRM questionnaire. At the same time, APRM officials conduct a background study of governance and development issues in the country.
This is followed by a visit of a panel of experts who undertake extensive discussions with government officials, civil society and citizens.
Incorporating the country’s own self-assessment a report is developed and submitted to the African Peer Review Mechanism Forum of Heads of State and Government of Participation Members States for further integration.
When South Africa first underwent the review, its Country Review Report highlighted significant strengths in each of the four thematic areas, namely democracy and political governance; economic governance and management; corporate governance and socio-economic development.
The report was complimentary about South Africa’s peaceful transition and its strong governance institutions.
However, it also highlighted challenges that the country needed to deal with from the legacy of apartheid.
The reports have however noted the entrenched challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality that remain sources of potential social conflict. The latest report was presented by President Jacob Zuma at the Summit in January 2014 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201504230317.html