About us
The Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) focuses on building an efficient and capable state.
GTAC was established in March 2012 and provides advisory and technical consulting services to South African government departments and organisations and contributes to public service research and capacity building.
GTAC promotes evidence-based learning and policy advice and supports effective procurement and programme management processes. Partnerships form the basis of its development methodology, within government and with the private sector, the academic and research community, and civil society stakeholders.
Click here for a snapshot of what we do.
What
we do
GTAC’s work focuses on four key activities:
- Research, analysis and advice
- Sharing and disseminating knowledge
- Capacity building
- Supporting and facilitating programme implementation.
Our services
Currently GTAC’s business incorporates four units:
Project management units
In addition there are two project management units in GTAC which are administered on behalf of the National Treasury:
New structure on the horizon
In the future GTAC will be structured into three interconnected hubs: the Consulting Hub,
the Programme Management Hub and the Business Support Hub (comprising Business
Support and Shared Services).
Each hub will offer distinct yet complementary services so that GTAC is able to deliver a
holistic suite of services to the public sector.
This model is particularly effective in the public sector, where cross-functional expertise is
critical to achieving outcomes. This collaboration across hubs encourages a more
coordinated response to public sector needs, ensuring alignment with common goals while
recognising the unique service offerings of each unit. The hub structure also creates a critical mass of expertise so that the hubs become centres of excellence capable of
managing larger and more complex projects.
GTAC is expected to transition into the hub structure as part of the implementation of the
2025–2030 Strategic Plan.
GTAC’s business focus
The macroeconomic challenges facing the public sector demand improved fiscal discipline and state competence.
GTAC is able to support this shift in public finance management by providing consolidated advisory and technical support services that sit outside of the regulatory space.
GTAC’s work delivers three key benefits to its public sector clients:
- Improved data and evidence for decision-making – through access to reliable data and evidence public sector decision-makers can make informed decisions around policies and operations.
- Enhanced institutional capability – through improved internal processes public institutions are able to operate more effectively and deliver services more efficiently.
- Better capital investment decisions – GTAC’s appraisals and advice lead to more
strategic and sound capital investment decisions optimising infrastructure and project
spending.
This in turn leads to broader benefits for government, including:
- Strong and high-performing public institutions
- Increased infrastructure development
This ultimately contributes to the creation of a capable, ethical and developmental state with strong and accountable institutions that contribute to sustainable socio-economic development and improved service delivery which in turn will result in a more inclusive and prosperous South Africa.
Vision
To be the trusted partner and driving force behind a capable and developmental state,
empowering government with expert and affordable advice and technical support to enable
sound public finance management and better service delivery.
Our Mission
To provide high-quality, cost-effective advisory services and support that solve complex
problems, enhance government efficiency, and improve service delivery. As an agile, independent and professional agency embedded within the government, we leverage our
deep knowledge of the public sector to offer customised, value-for-money advice and support to government institutions. By doing so, we strengthen public finance management,
build institutional capacity, and enhance governance in the public sector.
Our Values and Behaviours
Six values underpin GTAC’s approach to its programmes and activities:
1 Integrity: We act with integrity and adhere to the public sector code of conduct. We provide unbiased advice to public institutions and act with impartiality.
2 Professionalism: We deliver on time, within budget, and in line with the agreed scope of work. We are agile and responsive to our clients’ evolving needs.
3 Excellence: We pursue excellence, delivering high-quality work for the institutions we serve. We strive to learn, and continually improve our methods and approaches.
4 Innovation: We adopt and promote innovative methods, tools and technologies to solve complex developmental and governance challenges. We are always looking for new ways to improve our work.
5 Collaboration: We work as a team to leverage our internal expertise and experience. We partner with public, academic, non-profit and private sectors to build trusted relationships with stakeholders and achieve better outcomes.
6 Respect: We value one another and our differences. We treat everyone as equals. We are strengthened by diverse voices and engage stakeholders with humility.
Approach
GTAC’s approach is guided by:
1. Client-focused and demand-driven programmes: Advisory and technical support responds to client needs and respects the ownership and accountability for services by the responsible organs of state.
2. Diagnostic and management tools adapted to the need of the public sector: Advisors and support staff use management tools, methods and practices rooted in South Africa’s legal and institutional frameworks to undertake and support projects, while drawing on experts in public sector practice.
3. Capacity building through partnerships and learning by doing: GTAC’s approach is underpinned by a pragmatic and problem-solving approach to project support. It builds capacity through learning by doing and transferring skills through partnerships with other centres of expertise.
How are GTAC’s services funded?
GTAC draws on core funding provided by the National Treasury and co-funding by international donor partners, while also partially recovering professional service costs from clients.
GTAC’s legislative mandate
GTAC performs its functions subject to ministerial guidance. The Minister may, to the extent permitted in the applicable legislation, at any time, in consultation with the Director-General, in writing instruct the Head of GTAC to:
- Provide services in respect of financial planning for and the costing of policies being developed
- Provide economic analysis and actuarial advice on programmes and projects
- Perform ancillary functions as and when required by the National Treasury