Lessons from M&G cabinet scores

It may be time for a leadership change

- Malegapuru Makgoba

The Mail and Guardian has been conducting and publishing the Cabinet Report Cards, popularly known as the Cabinet Scores, since 1994 during the first Government of National Unity (GNU) under Nelson Mandela.

Over time, the reports have improved and are one of the ways South Africans measure the performance and quality of their Cabinet. The score cards assess ministers' performance on policy implementation, service delivery, budget execution and handling of national issues, noting it's a respected but subjective barometer of accountability, focusing on tangible outcomes and adherence to mandates rather than just politics. There are many insights to learn from the report cards over the years, despite their shortcomings.

We have been promised lifestyle audits and Cabinet Performance Contracts by successive ANC governments but these have not seen the light of day, like so many other promises from our leadership.

The Cabinet members who score well like or are inspired by the reports but those who score poorly find fault with the methodology and dispute them.

The report cards assess specific criteria (implied/explicit). While grading can be subjective, look for commentary focusing on:

Policy implementation: Are stated priorities being met?

Service delivery: Are programmes reaching intended beneficiaries?

Budget and efficiency: How well are funds managed and used?

Governance and accountability: Are there instances of corruption, lack of transparency or poor administration?

Tangible improvements: Are lives measurably better in their sectors

Interpreting the grades: Expect a range from A (excellent) to F or U (unsatisfactory/failure).