About Us

The Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) focuses on building an efficient and capable state.

What are you looking for?
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.

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 Technical Advisory Hub, the Programme Management Hub and the Business Support Hub. Each hub will offer distinct yet complementary services so that GTAC is able to deliver a holistic suite of services to the public sector.

GTAC is currently streamlining its functions into a new hub-based structure to ensure GTAC is able to offer high-impact advisory services and support that aligns with government priorities.

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 and 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.

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.

Vision

Our Values & 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.

GTAC's History

GTAC’s organisational evolution has passed through three phases: establishment, stabilisation and consolidation.
GTAC History Infographic

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 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, give GTAC policy directions consistent with the applicable legislation, or any national policy applicable to a specific sector or the public sector as a whole.