Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, delivered the keynote address at the National Evaluation Seminar held from 19 to 20 November 2025. The event brought together government officials, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the role of evaluations in improving public service delivery and strengthening accountability.
In her address, Minister Ramokgopa emphasised the importance of rigorous monitoring and evaluation in ensuring that government programs achieve their intended outcomes. She noted that evaluation is a critical tool for assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of policies and interventions across all spheres of government.
“Evaluations allow us to understand what works, what does not, and how we can improve. They are central to building a government that is responsive, accountable, and transparent to the citizens it serves,” Minister Ramokgopa said.
The seminar provided a platform for officials and practitioners to share experiences, best practices, and challenges in conducting evaluations. Minister Ramokgopa highlighted that systematic evaluations enable the government to make evidence-based decisions and allocate resources more effectively.
“The purpose of evaluation is not merely to audit performance but to learn and adapt. It is about using evidence to improve policy design and service delivery for the benefit of our communities,” she said.
Minister Ramokgopa also outlined the progress made in institutionalising evaluations within government. She highlighted the establishment of frameworks and guidelines to ensure that evaluations are conducted consistently, independently, and transparently across all departments.
She called on government departments to prioritise evaluation and integrate it into planning and budgeting processes. According to Minister Ramokgopa, doing so ensures that public funds are spent efficiently and programs deliver measurable benefits to citizens.
The National Evaluation Seminar included presentations from various government departments and research institutions. Topics ranged from education and health to infrastructure and social development. Participants discussed how evaluation findings have informed policy changes and program improvements, citing specific examples of success and areas for further attention.
Minister Ramokgopa encouraged collaboration between government, academia, and civil society to strengthen evaluation capacity and promote the use of evidence in decision-making. She emphasised that evaluations should not be seen as isolated exercises but as integral to continuous improvement and good governance.
She also spoke about the role of technology and data analytics in enhancing evaluation processes. “Modern tools and data systems allow us to track progress in real time, identify gaps, and make timely interventions. Leveraging data effectively will be key to achieving our national development objectives,” Minister Ramokgopa said.
The seminar concluded with a call for all stakeholders to embrace a culture of learning, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making. Minister Ramokgopa said that evaluations must contribute to building trust between the government and citizens by demonstrating that policies and programs are guided by measurable results.
“The outcomes of these evaluations are not just reports on paper. They are insights that help us improve lives and ensure that government interventions create real value for communities,” she said.
Minister Ramokgopa thanked all participants for their contributions and stressed the importance of continued engagement and knowledge sharing. She encouraged officials to use the lessons learned during the seminar to strengthen evaluation practices within their respective departments.
The National Evaluation Seminar is part of the government’s broader effort to institutionalise monitoring and evaluation, improve accountability, and ensure that policies and programs meet the needs of the South African people.
