TEXT OF CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiative is a multi-stakeholder coalition of leading governments and civil society organisations working to advance transparency and accountability in government - with the goals of increasing the responsiveness of government to citizens, countering corruption, promoting economic efficiencies, harnessing innovation, and improving the delivery of services.
South Africa is a member of the OGP initiative and serves on the OGP International Steering Committee with Brazil, USA, India, United Kingdom, Norway, Mexico, Indonesia and Philippines.
The Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo, in her capacity as the South African Government representative on the OGP International Steering Committee invites the general public, particularly non-governmental and community-based organisations to participate in drafting an OGP Action Plan for South Africa.
This six-page Action Plan should outline concrete commitments from Government to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance.
On 20 September 2011, Heads of State of OGP Steering Committee countries, including President J.G. Zuma, will attend the formal launch of the OGP in New York and announce their OGP country Action Plans and welcome the plans and commitments of other governments to join the OGP.
Your organisation is invited to participate in drafting South Africa`s OGP Action Plan by sending a written submission.
Submissions should address the following key questions:
1. What are the significant efforts made by government and civil society to advance transparency, accountability and citizen engagement?
2. What are the grand challenges that South Africa is facing in terms of advancing transparency, accountability and citizen engagement?
3. What activities should Government prioritise over the next year (September 2011 - September 2012) to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance?
4. How would you propose Government use technology such as the Internet to advance transparency, accountability and citizen engagement?
Submission Guidelines:
Written submissions must be made on or before 6 September 2011 by e-mail to ismaild@dpsa.gov.za or by fax to 0866151761.
Submissions must not exceed six (6) pages and should clearly indicate the name of the organisation or individual making the submission and their contact details (telephone number, fax number and e-mail address).
For more information about the Open Government Partnership initiative, visit: www.opengovpartnership.
