ê1. Ms J L Fubbs (ANC) to ask the President of the Republic:
(1) Given that South Africa pursued the Growth Employment and Redistribution plan and the Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa, (a) what is the relationship of the New Growth Path to the National Development Plan (NDP) and (b) where does the Industrial Policy Action Plan fit in the context of the NDP.
(2) how is it envisaged that the NDP and its component parts will progressively contribute to the gross domestic product?
Reply:
Honourable Speaker,
The Growth, Employment and Redistribution Strategy sought to stabilise South Africa’s macro-economy during a period of increasing public debt and the fiscal deficit, exchange rate volatility and a shift in global investors’ sentiment towards developing countries.
The Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGI-SA) in the third administration was premised on the acknowledgement that South Africa’s economic growth rate was too low to substantially reduce poverty and that the benefits of economic growth were not being shared fairly by all South Africans.
Similarly, the New Growth Path was developed in the fourth administration, in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis which had resulted in one million jobs being lost in South Africa and a substantial reduction in South Africa’s economic growth rate.
The National Development Plan represents a long-term strategy to eradicate poverty, increase employment and reduce inequality by 2030.
There is indeed a link between the National Development Plan, Industrial Policy Action Plan and the New Growth Path. We state clearly in the ANC Manifesto which we are implementing, that within the National Development Plan vision, exist critical policy instruments that will continue to drive government’s policy agenda.
These include:
The New Growth Path, which promotes inclusive growth and the creation of decent work.
The National Infrastructure Plan, on which we spent one trillion rand in the past term and will spend more this term as well to roll-out of infrastructure to improve people’s lives and boost economic growth.
The Industrial Policy Action Plan, which supports the re-industrialisation of the economy.
We have set a target of five percent economic growth by 2019 and we aim to use these instruments to achieve this target.
Primarily, we have begun to institutionalise long-term planning, integration and the coordination capacity within the state to drive industrialisation, infrastructure development and other programmes.
This week we reconstituted the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Council, bringing together national, provincial and local spheres of government to hasten the delivery of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, universities, colleges, dams, power stations and other infrastructure.
We are also implementing other initiatives, such as promoting local procurement and the creation of decent jobs by directing the state to progressively buy at least 75% of its goods and services from South African producers.
Our key strategy is to also support small enterprises, co-operatives and broad-based black economic empowerment.
We will also mobilise the active participation of all sectors including business and labour, to move country forward towards the five percent growth target.
I thank you.
ê2. The Leader of the Opposition (DA) to ask the President of the Republic:
When will he (a) table the terms of reference and (b) establish the time frame of the inquiry which was announced a month ago on Saturday, 5 July 2014, to investigate the appointment of Mr Mxolisi Nxasana as the National Director of Public Prosecutions?
Reply:
Honourable Speaker,
As we were finalising the processes related to the inquiry, the National Director of Public Prosecutions asked for a meeting, which I granted. He withdrew his court action which had been aimed at obtaining an interdict against a possible suspension.
I also halted the processes that related to the inquiry to allow an opportunity for the meeting.
At the meeting he tabled certain issues to which I am still applying my mind.
I will meet him again soon to take matters forward.
I thank you.
ê3. Mr J S Malema (EFF) to ask the President of the Republic:
When will he respond to the Public Protector’s Report on the security upgrades at his residence in Nkandla?
Reply:
Honourable Speaker,
As the Honourable Members are aware, my response to all the reports on the security upgrades at my private residence was submitted to the Speaker on Thursday last week, the 14th of August 2014.
I thank you.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
E-mail: macmaharaj@icloud.com
