National government today drew the provinces and key government economic actors into efforts to contribute to the development of the new growth path for the South African economy.
While the Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, accompanying President Zuma on his way to the Group of 20 (G20) leaders, is briefing the international community that South Africa's fresh thinking on jobs and growth, Economic Development Minister, Mr Ebrahim Patel and Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies held a high level meeting at the Department of Trade and Industry campus in Pretoria today to give local officials an opportunity to contribute to the development of a new growth path.
The two ministers with two of their deputies, Deputy Ministers Maria Ntuli and Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde met with provincial MECs responsible for economic development, their respective heads of departments and mayors from a number of metros, in a MINMEC meeting to clarify a cooperative approach across provinces.
Minister Patel presented the outline of national government work on the opportunities to create jobs in a number of sectors and the preliminary results of provincial reports on economic development projects. Minister Davies provided an update on implementation of the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP).
This gathering takes place a month before the Cabinet Lekgotla in July where government will consider its work programme and priorities for the period ahead.
A provincial matrix identifying job opportunities, their cost and number of permanent jobs, is being developed. The initial results were presented and discussed.
"The whole package together has to deliver faster and more labour intensive outcomes," said Minister Davies.
"Let's choose a few projects and all support them," he added.
Minister Patel welcomed the support given by provinces to the job creation focus of the new growth path and to working on the new performance management system. He said there was a need to play to the strengths of each province.
"Let's focus on implementation," he said.
"The new growth path requires focus and changes, not simply repackaging of existing programmes. Jobs must be at the centre of our common national goal," he said.
Contact:
Zubeida Jaffer
Cell: 082 698 6677
