13 April 2004
Frustrated by the many forms and processes that accompany government service delivery? Tired of waiting in long queues?
The government has called on citizens, businesses and public servants to help identify the main “red tape” problems that South Africans face, and to make suggestions on how to solve them.
The “Red Tape Challenge” was launched by the Department of Public Service and Administration, the Centre for Public Service Innovation and the State Information Technology Agency following the release of a joint study, “From Red Tape to SMART Tape”, in March.
The report notes that countries worldwide are increasingly tackling red tape reform, and draws from international examples in proposing a strategy for reducing red tape in South Africa.
According to the report, red tape reform can take many forms, some of which require major structural and technological changes. The study also finds, however, that there are “hundreds of improvements that can be achieved quickly and simply” – addressing these “quick-wins” is key to the Red Tape Challenge.
Citizens and businesses can e-mail their comments and suggestions to redtapetosmarttape@sita.co.za or post them to Red Tape to Smart Tape, Private Bag X111, Centurion 0046. The deadline for submissions is 31 May.
The government has promised that all comments and suggestions will be reviewed, key problem areas prioritised and viable solutions tested.
Challenge to public servants
A parallel Red Tape Challenge offers government employees the chance to have their ideas for reducing red tape put to the test – with rewards and implementation support for those who come up with innovative and workable ideas.
For more information, public servants should contact Yvonne van Dyk (yvonnevd@dpsa.gov.za, 012 314-7170) or Fakazile Myeza (fakazile.myeza@sita.co.za, 012 672-2855/67).
SouthAfrica.info reporter
