About government - Programme of Action 2008 - Governance & Administration Cluster

1

ENSURING ALIGNED AND SUPPORTIVE MACRO-ECONOMIC APPROACHES

1.1

Modeling and scenario planning on economic policies to anticipate needs of economy and identify areas requiring enhanced coherence and alignment

NT, DPE, DTI, Presidency, DEAT

Jun-08

Modeling and scenario work has been commissioned to inform work of the Cluster going forward

1.2

Implement RIA pilots among cluster departments

Presidency, NT

Jul-08

RIA training was held in Sep-08 to capacitate government officials with tools to facilitate the implementation of an efficient, integrated and equitable regulatory framework in South Africa. RIA pilots are underway

2

BUILDING A COMPETITIVE AND LABOUR-ABSORBING ECONOMY THROUGH INDUSTRIAL POLICY

2.1

Finalise long-term mitigation (climate change) scenarios and implement decisions

DEAT, DME, DPE, DST, DTI, NT

Apr-08

A detailed National Climate Change Response Policy Implementation Plan has been presented to the Cluster and is to be finalised in consultation with relevant sector departments

2.2

Stabilise clothing and textiles to preserve capabilities and employment

DTI, NT

Ongoing

The clothing and textile competitiveness programme to be implemented by the IDC are currently under development

2.3

Maintain momentum in the implementation of ASGI-SA priority sectors

2.3.1

BPO

DTI, DoC, DoL, NT, Presidency

Ongoing

The Monyetla target of 1000 graduates has been achieved with all graduates absorbed into call centres. The remaining work streams are on track for completion according to accepted milestones

2.3.2

Tourism

DEAT, DHA, DoL, DTI, NT, StatsSA

Ongoing

The Tourism HRD Strategy was launched at Tourism Career Expo in Oct-08. The review of the current tourism grading system completed and presented to DEAT MINMEC. A draft Integrated Service Excellence Strategic Framework is being developed

2.3.3

Biofuels

DME, DOA, DTI, DWAF, NT

Apr-08

The biofuels licensing criteria were finalised and approved for publication. The criteria are available on the DME website

2.4

Finalise and implement KAPs taking into account their overall impact on growth and employment

2.4.1

Mining and minerals beneficiation, with a focus on identifying market failures and selecting where potential exists in terms of correct skills and technology

Presidency, DME, DTI, NT

Mar-08

A task team to look at specific projects within the sector has been established

2.4.2

Construction, with a focus on enhancing potential for substantial employment creation

Presidency, DPW, DTI

Jun-08

Current priority is improving systems in CETA with a consultant appointed to assist in the process

2.4.3

Retail, with a focus on integrating small enterprises within value chains

Presidency, DTI

Jun-08

Consultants to NEDLAC's FRIDGE fund have begun work. In addition The Presidency is developing a strategic document in context of employment targets for the anti-poverty strategy

2.4.4

Marine aquaculture, with a focus on promoting increased production capacity particularly through establishing Aquaculture Development Nodes

DEAT, DTI, DST

Mar-10

Identified abalone ranching zones and completed the draft ranching guidelines to be published for comments. Finalised feasibility reports and identified sites for the 5 pilot projects. New species experimental hatchery proposal was developed

2.4.5

Creative industries- including audit of activities across government

DTI, DAC, Presidency

Ongoing

Craft hubs have been established in WC, KZN, and EC. The process of establishing the hub in Gauteng is on track and will be launched in Mar-09

2.4.6

Consumer durables, with a focus on developing the potential for local manufacture, repairs and maintenance

Presidency, DTI

Jun-08

Research is complete and consultation process at NEDLAC is being initiated

2.4.7

Agriculture and agro-processing, which should take forward land and agrarian reform (A 7)

DOA, DLA, DTI, Presidency

Mar-10

A national agri-consultation was held in Aug-08. The outcome was a declaration that reflected on the Sector Plan Review and supports the accelerated implementation of the 5 pillars of LARP until Dec-08

2.5

Develop integrated implement anti-poverty proposals that directly address employment (employment creation initiatives) and economic development and ensure integration into sector strategies where appropriate

Presidency, DoL, DPLG, DTI

Jun-08

The Presidency utilised the Cluster's Focus Groups to finalise numerical targets for job creation as a vital component of the Anti-poverty Strategy. Consultations with stakeholders have been initiated

2.6

Implement Digital Broadcasting Policy

2.6.1

Complete Phase One (50% of population) of the roll out digital broadcasting infrastructure by Sentech

DoC, DEAT, DPLG, DST, Presidency

Dec-08

See 2.13.1

2.6.2

Develop and start implementation of Set Top Box manufacturing strategy

DoC, DTI, NT

Sep-08

The South African Bureau of Standards are finalising the conversion of STB specifications into a national standard. Cabinet Memoranda on Scheme-for-Ownership roll-out model and STB manufacturing sector development strategy are currently being developed

2.6.3

Develop and start implementation of Local and Digital Content Development Strategy

DoC, DAC, DoE, DTI, Presidency

Jun-08

The Local and Digital Content Development Strategy will be presented to the Cabinet in Nov-08

2.6.4

Develop and start implementation of the Broadcasting Digital Migration Awareness Strategy

DoC, DPLG, GCIS, Presidency

Mar-08

Awareness strategy finalised and implementation plan completed. Service provider appointed to assist the department in rolling out the public awareness campaign. Frequently Asked Questions booklet on the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy finalised

2.7

Implement changes to competition law to enable the State to proactively address anti-competitive outcomes

DTI, Presidency

Jul-08

The National Assembly considered and adopted the Competition Amendment Act in Oct-08

2.8

Implement strategic and cross-cutting R&D interventions for the development of new cutting-edge industries

DST, DPE, DTI

Mar-08

The Technology Innovation Agency Bill was approved by NCOP in Sep-08 and was resubmitted to the Parliamentary Language Services for the translation of the amendments. TIA Business Case is being revised and is to be resubmitted to Treasury in Oct-08

2.9

Improve design and administration of industrial financing

DTI, NT, Presidency

Dec-08

On tax incentives, Tax Bill is to be tabled in Parliament in Oct-08 and draft proposal is being finalised. IT platform is being developed to administer incentives. Online application for Enterprise Investment programme was launched in Jul-08

2.10

Review water usage scenarios and develop measures for efficient management of water resources

DWAF, DEAT, DME

Dec-08

The pre-feasibility stage for upgrading of the conveyance system from Mokolo Dam is estimated to be completed by Dec-08. The first version of the KZN Coastal Metropolitan Area Reconciliation Strategy has been completed

2.11

Review and benchmark existing regulatory requirements for doing business, and initiate programme to cut red tape

Presidency, DEAT, DTI, DWAF, NT

Dec-08

With regards to SMME definition, an interim report with initial recommendations for discussion with stakeholders was prepared. Work is still continuing to revise the previous schedule (indices) as contained in the National Small Business Amendment Act

2.12

Continue implementation of industrial policy measures in lead sectors as per Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) (A 1)

2.12.1

Capital/Transport Equipment (including Competitive Supplier Development Programmes)

DTI, DEAT, DPE, NT, Presidency

Ongoing

Implementing all Key Action Plans. Further research is being done to inform the case for limiting the export of scrap metal to be completed by Nov-08. Reviews of import duties in both machinery & equipment and aluminium are to be completed by Dec-08

2.12.2

Automotives assembly and components

DTI, NT

Ongoing

New Automotive Production Development Programme announced and regulatory amendments are on track for completion in Mar-09

2.12.3

Chemicals, plastics fabrication and pharmaceuticals

DTI, DEAT, DST, Presidency, Health

Ongoing

Site selection study for the halogen hub has been finalised and rezoning of land to industrial development is in progress. Pre-feasibility study for the manufacture of ARV Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients has been completed

2.12.4

Forestry, pulp and paper and furniture sector

DWAF, DEAT, DTI, Presidency

Ongoing

Afforestation suitability mapping in progress in Mzimvubu and Umzimkulu catchments. A task team has been established to develop a Skills Development Strategy for the Forestry Sector

2.13

Increase usage of ICT's by addressing infrastructure development, cost and access-related issues (A 3)

2.13.1

Implement Phase One of Sentech Wireless Broadband infrastructure

DoC, DEAT, DME

Dec-08

Business Plan of Sentech for the National Wireless Broadband roll-out has been approved by the Board. First phase design of network elements and workshop, which includes site build, access, transmission and core has been completed

2.13.2

Develop a programme of action that benchmarks telecommunication costs and accessibility in South Africa with comparator countries

DoC, DPE, DTI, Presidency

Dec-08

A process to conclude identification of bottlenecks and high cost areas has been concluded

2.13.3

Begin construction of submarine cables

DoC, DEAT, DPE, DPLG, NT

Dec-08

Agreement reached with Nigeria's Main One and Kenya on joint partnership in UHURUnet. Agreement signed between NEPAD e-Africa Commission and Infraco on joint collaboration for the Africa West Coast Cable construction

2.14

Set-up dedicated centre to support all investment applications of R100 million and above (A 2)

DTI, Presidency

May-08

Call Centre to be launched in Dec-08

3

MASSIVELY INCREASE PUBLIC INVESTMENT

3.1

Implement Public Transport Plan KAPs

3.1.1

Accelerate the implementation of the Taxi Recap Programme

DoT, NT

Sep-08

The draft training strategy for the development and accreditation of taxi driver training for 2010 and beyond has been completed

3.1.2

Implement the reformed public transport subsidy system

DoT, DPE, NT

Oct-08

Provincial service designs for KwaDukuza and Thabo Mofutsanyane has been concluded. Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and Cape Town has concluded their Designs and Business Planning process

3.1.3

Finalise and implement public transport investment plans for buses and taxis

DoT, DPE, NT

Jun-08

The Shosholoza Meyl Business Plan and Turn Around Strategy have been concluded. The Department has formalised a fleet acquisition requirement and implementation plan for Cabinet's endorsement

3.2

Finalise framework for economic regulators

Presidency, DME, DoC, DPE, DTI, NT

Oct-08

The Presidency is engaging in consultations within the Cluster towards the finalisation of the framework

3.3

Implementation of the National Maintenance Strategy using EPWP

DPW

Mar-09

DPW to provide update

3.4

Implement intensive campaign to improve energy efficiency through ensuring saving of energy by households and industrial users (A 4)

DME, DEAT, DPE, DPLG

Ongoing

Institutional arrangements relating to Energy Efficiency have been clarified. Cabinet has approved the appointment of energy champions. Draft regulations for Power Conservation Programme have been finalised and gazetted for public comment

4

EQUITY AND DEVELOPMENT

4.1

Improve financing model for small business including resolution of Khula direct retail finance option

DTI, NT

Mar-10

The business case for direct lending by Khula is ready for Cabinet consideration

4.2

Leverage procurement to increase demand for goods and services from small enterprises by aligning the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice and PPPFA

DTI, NT

Jun-08

Process of aligning PPPFA Regulation with BBBEE Codes continues. National Treasury will release draft Preferential Procurement Regulations for public comment

4.3

Roll-out the ten products for government procurement from small enterprises

DTI, NT

Jun-08

Task team is considering implementation mechanisms of the programme. A provincial workshop of all Provincial Treasuries and Supply Chain managers be convened

4.4

Implement integration of support services at inter-departmental, provincial and local level to ensure seamless support to small enterprises

DTI, DOA, DPLG, NT

Feb-09

The framework that seeks to further integrate support services to SMMEs will be discussed at dti MINMEC in Oct-08

4.5

Improve communication on Second Economy initiatives

GCIS, DPE, DTI, Presidency

Ongoing

Train the trainer workshop for GCIS communication officers was held on Jul-08. Agreement with SABC for TV series production has been cancelled due to delays and lack of progress

4.6

Strengthen Tourism Enterprise Programme to promote tourism development

DEAT, DTI, NT

Mar-08

Process underway to engage provincial and local partners to implement, the Global Competitiveness Study (GCP) phase 2 recommendations, in Kwa Zulu-Natal and Eastern Cape

4.7

Finalisation of EPWP Strategic Review

DPW

Jun-08

EPWP phase 2 strategy was finalised and approved by Cabinet in Jun-08. Workshop on the development of EPWP log frame phase 2 was held on Sep-08 and will be finalised by Oct-08

4.8

Review regulatory burdens on small enterprises (including municipal by-laws)

Presidency, DoL, DPLG, DTI, NT

Dec-08

See 2.11

4.9

Set-up SME procurement call centre with appropriate dedicated resources and protocols across all government department (A 13)

DTI, All Depts

Jun-08

The SME procurement call centre set up phase will be completed by Nov-08

5

ENSURE PRIORITY SKILLS FOR THE ECONOMY

5.1

Review targets and strengthen integration and coordination of National Human Resource Development Strategy (including NSDS and JIPSA) to ensure long-term provision of core and critical skills especially in priority sectors

DoE, DoL, DTI, Presidency

Jul-08

Draft consultation plan has been developed and presented to the Economic Cluster. Consultations on the HRD-SA Strategy are underway with stakeholders

5.2

Align skills development initiatives and Employment Services for South Africa with industrial policy priorities

DoL, DoE, DTI, Presidency

Mar-09

SETAs have submitted their Sector Skills Plan updates for 2009 to the Department of Labour and are in the process of finalising their Service Level Agreements by Nov-08

5.3

Improve current mechanisms to fast track high skill immigration to South Africa

DHA, DFA, DoE, DoL, DTI

Dec-08

The Department of Home Affairs is embarking on a process to expand the large account unit from 27 to 50 accounts. The Department has finalised first phase of needs assessment survey to service the accounts

5.4

Implement self-employment interventions (A 9)

DoL, DTI, Presidency

Mar-09

Learnership impact evaluation report and National Skills Authority Review session completed. Action plan on the recommendations has been finalised

5.5

Resolve organisational issues on skills development (A 5)

DoL, DoE

Mar-09

NEDLAC SETA Review implementation strategy is being finalised at NEDLAC including a SETA re-establishment process