A critical evaluation of the effectiveness of performance appraisal in the Western Cape Provincial Treasury (WCPT)

Abstract

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, instructs the Public Service Commission (PSC) to propose measures to ensure effective and efficient performance in the public service, which includes National and Provincial Departments (1996:108).Various view points on this issue have been expressed why even some hard working staff members of the Western Cape Provincial Treasury (WCPT) are found to be surprised and disappointed over the performance management process especially, when their hard work throughout the year goes unnoticed or are under-rated by their superiors.The bias scoring by certain performance evaluators also causes plenty of animosity, hostility and resentment among colleagues because "friendly" staff is prejudiced ahead of other staff.The Public Service Act 103 of 1994 states that an executive authority has powers and duties regarding the performance management of officers and employees of that office or department (1994:14). "... a head of department shall be responsible for the efficient management and administration of his or her department, including the effective utilisation and training of staff..." .