action well received by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
1 February 2009
South Africaâs first annual progress report on the implementation of its
programme of action was well received by the 10th summit of the Committee of
Participating Heads of State/Government of the African Peer Review Mechanism in
Addis Ababa on Saturday, 31 January 2008. The annual report, presented by
President Kgalema Motlanthe, covers the period from November 2007 to December
2008 and reflects on progress made in the implementation of the programme of
action.
President Motlanthe reported that South Africa has successfully mainstreamed
its anti-poverty initiative into the planning and implementation of its
programmes and the budgeting process, as it remains committed to accelerating
socio-economic development to achieve sustainable development and poverty
eradication.
On crime President Motlanthe said that for the country to ensure stability,
peace and development, it is necessary that crime be tackled comprehensively.
In this regard he reported that government expenditure on crime prevention has
steadily increased resulting in the recruitment of more policemen and women, as
well as the improvement of infrastructure.
"These efforts bolstered by strong partnership between government and civil
society are starting to yield the required results. There is a marked decrease
in contact crimes such as murder and robbery," the president continued.
The President said he "was proud of the macro-economic policies that have
ensured that over the past fifteen years, our economy grew at unprecedented
levels. Owing to these appropriate macro-economic policies and a strong banking
and financial sector, South Africa has been cushioned from the global financial
shock resulting in what has been called the deepest crisis since the Great
Depression of 1929."
"Nevertheless, shrinking global demand and falling commodity prices are
impacting the performance of the economy and employment levels. We remain
confident that our policies and interventions will demonstrate the required
flexibility to address this prolonged economic downturn and reduce the negative
impact on our economy," he said.
President Motlanthe opened his report by posing a question "what are we
doing to deepen democracy, enhance political stability, eradicate poverty and
the suffering of people" to the session and closed by encouraged other African
Union Member states to accede to the African Peer Review Mechanism and become
part of the collective that seeks to strengthen the struggle to build political
stability and eradicate poverty.
Enquiries:
Thabo Masebe
Cell: 082 410 8087
Issued by: The Presidency
1 February 2009
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/)
