Approved by the Cabinet in November 2010, the ODP is a legislative framework for public service uniformity in job grading and evaluation, splitting of departments, transfer of functions among departments as well as establishment and abolishment of departments and government components.

The structure also clarifies the reporting lines, authority delegations, responsibilities, chain of command and the span of control.

In his opening remarks in the Eastern Cape yesterday, Minister Baloyi said the government was so concerned about the current state of affairs where departments at all levels differently interpret and apply the ODP, that it was spending lots of resources to address it.

"We will soon be tabling the proposals together with inputs from stakeholders to Cabinet which will in turn come up with clear principles and guidelines for compliance," he said.

The Ministerial team has already been to North West, Western Cape, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape.