Presidency tables 2014/15 Annual Report to Parliament

The Presidency today tabled its 2014/15 Annual Report in the National Assembly. The Annual Report registers good progress made by the institution in implementing government’s programme of action in the period under review as well as improved corporate governance. 

The Presidency obtained a clean audit for the first time following the implementation of a focused and corrective plan to eradicate non-compliance and internal control deficiencies. Work is continuing to further strengtn internal governance controls and to furhetr improve compliance with legislated good governance prescripts and frameworks.

The year under review was characterised by the inauguration of the President at the Nelson Mandela Amphitatre at the Union Buildings which was attended by 4000 dignitaries with the President being welcomed by more than 20 000 people at the Union Buildings South Lawns. The inauguration was followed by the establishment of a new government by the Presidency and the swearing in of Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

A large part of the work of the Presidency during the past year including managing the implementation of the President’s decision to reorganise government, through the establishment of new departments and the merger of certain functions to create reconfigured government entities.

The process of reconfiguration resulted to the creation of the ministries of Communications, Small Business Development, Telecommunications and Postal Services, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Water and Sanitation, Environmental Affairs, and Women. The process has been successfully completed.

Among highlights of the year was the development of the Medium Term Strategic Framework which is government’s five year plan for the implementation of the National Development Plan. The President also launcd a new delivery methodology, Operation Phakisa, derived from Malaysia’s big fast results methodology.

The first two pilot projects of Operation Phakisa were launcd in 2014 which are unlocking the economic potential of the oceans economy and the promotion of ideal clinics. Operation Phakisa is to be extended to the mining and basic education sectors this year. The programme promises to revitalises the chosen sectors to improve performance.

The President also revived and expanded the Presidential Working Groups to promote interface with stakeholders in the business, youth, religious, disability and labour sectors. This has enabled consultative governance and discussions of key policy issues and programmes with stakeholders. The President revived and improved the Presidential imbizo programme which promotes formal interaction with the public to discuss various issues in order to improve governance and service delivery.

The Presidential Monitoring and Evaluation programme continued and entailed the signing of agreements with Ministers and the conclusion of the delineation of responsibilities between Ministers and Deputy Ministers. The programme also included visits to communities to ascertain service delivery and unblock wre tre are blockages.

Successful interface took place with Premiers and local government leadership in the President’s Coordinating Council while coordination of infrastructure development was undertaken through the Presidential Infrastructure Coordination Commission, chaired by the President. Programmes run by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, which are reported on in the Annual Report, also registered progress such as the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Plan, Human Resource Development Council, the energy war room and the anti-poverty programme.

The Deputy President also supports state owned entities facing difficulties – SA Post Office, South African Airways and Eskom among otr delegated responsibilities.

The Deputy President was also appointed by the President to perform the role of the Leader of Government Business in Parliament. In this role, the Deputy President strives to build and enhance positive working relations between the Executive and Parliament.

The following are some of the highlights of decisions by the President during the period under review:  

Cabinet and Cabinet Committee meetings in 2014/15

Executive Acts of the President 1 April 2014 – 31 March 2015 Presidential Acts processed in 2014/15

Presidential minutes processed In 2014/15

Bills Introduced (1 April 2014 - 31 March 2015)

Letters Of Credence/Commission Presented (April 2014 - March 2015)

Official funerals in 2014/15

The Presidency oversees the implementation of the policy on state funerals, which authorises the President to declare official funerals in any one of various categories.  

The following people were accorded official funerals:

Forum of South African Directors-General (FOSAD) Cluster and Management Committee meetings in 2014/15

In the past financial year, the President appointed new members of Advisory Council for National Orders. The new members are:

• Ms Brigitte Mabandla
• Mr Mandla Langa
• Dr Glenda Gray
• Dr Molefi Oliphant
• Dr Lindiwe Mabuza
• Prof Malegapuru Makgoba
• Ms Mary Burton 
• Mrs Sally Padayachie
• Rev. Buti Tlhagale
• Mr James Motlatsi
• Dr Fazel Randera
• Ms Ntombi Mkhwebane

The Presidency thanks all stakeholders for support during the period under review

Enquiries:
Bongani Majola
Cell: 082 339 1993