Preparations for Lesotho to host the African Association for Public Administration and Management  (AAPAM) annual roundtable conference to be held in Maseru from November 25 to 29 are at an advanced stage.

A joint meeting between the organizing committee and the Lesotho Association of Public Administration and Management (LAPAM) to discuss logistics was held at the Ministry of Public Service on Thursday 07 November,2002. The 24th roundtable conference will focus on the searchlight for improving the African public administration system for the future, as well as to further the institutionalization of this culture of performance through lessons of experience in Africa and elsewhere under the theme "The African Public Service in the 21st century-New Initiatives in Performance management".

Briefing members on progress towards the meeting the Deputy President of LAPAM Dr. Frank Baffoe stated that the conference which will bring together Public Administers and Managers from all over Africa requires incorporated efforts of representatives from various ministries in order for it to be a success. He mentioned that four main events to take place during the conference have been organized and confirmed, clarifying that these are the official opening ceremony and reception in which the Minister in the Prime Ministers Office Mr. Sephiri Motanyane is expected to undertake on Monday November 25.

The Deputy President said another event will be the cultural night which has been scheduled for Wednesday of the same week, of which Basotho traditional groups will perform various Basotho songs and dances.On Thursday, delegates will undertake a tour to Katse Dam, with the aim to let them get to know Lesotho better after which there will be a closing dinner. 

Dr Baffoe further indicted that during the closing ceremony, the Government Secretary Mr. Tlohang Sekhamane will deliver a keynote speech. He mentioned that while eleven local presenters have been identified for the conference, preparations are underway to invite the presenters to a one-day pre- conference workshop, where they will be expected to present their papers for scrutiny, the last AAPAM meeting was held in Nigeria.

07 November,2002