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

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

Macroeconomic focus group still needs to develop its work plan that will be integrated into the Cluster as part of its economic policy discussions

1.2

Implement RIA pilots among cluster departments

Presidency, NT

Jul-08

While pilots are in progress, a strategic decision was taken to focus on building capacity required to accelerate progress in the implementation of RIA. A number of initiatives have already been undertaken to further that goal

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

LTMS completed and approved by Cabinet. National Climate Change Response Policy implementation plan was developed and presented to MINMEC in Nov-08

2.2

Stabilise clothing and textiles to preserve capabilities and employment

DTI, NT

Ongoing

Competitiveness programme is being finalised and capacity to administer is being created at IDC. ITAC finalised the reduction of the import duty on fabric not locally manufactured or manufactured in insufficient quantities

2.3

Maintain momentum in the implementation of ASGI-SA priority sectors

2.3.1

BPO

DTI, DoC, DoL, NT, Presidency

Ongoing

The rolling out of government support and assistance programme created about 9000 jobs and R500 million in investments over the next 3 years. Monyetla pilot completed. Rolling out of 2nd economy strategy has attracted investors to invest in 3 call centres

2.3.2

Tourism

DEAT, DHA, DoL, DTI, NT, StatsSA

Ongoing

Six pilot Tourism Satellite Accounts are expected to be completed by Mar-09. The review of the current grading system completed and presented to MinMEC. The tourism HRD was launched at the Tourism Career Expo in Oct-08

2.3.3

Biofuels

DME, DOA, DTI, DWAF, NT

Apr-08

Licensing criteria completed and published

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

The strategy was developed and is to be submitted to Cabinet

2.4.2

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

Presidency, DPW, DTI

Jun-08

Study is being finalised

2.4.3

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

Presidency, DTI

Jun-08

Retail sector study was commissioned and is to be finalised

2.4.4

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

DEAT, DTI, DST

Mar-10

Abalone ranching sites have been finalised and guidelines document to be published for stakeholders inputs. Draft policy implementation plan for aquaculture completed

2.4.5

Creative industries- including audit of activities across government

DTI, DAC, Presidency

Ongoing

Craft hubs established and operational in Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape, currently being established in Gauteng

2.4.6

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

Presidency, DTI

Jun-08

Study is being finalised

2.4.7

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

DOA, DLA, DTI, Presidency

Mar-10

Key indicators being developed in partnership with stakeholders

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

Anti-poverty strategy launched and KPIs still need to be adopted

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

Shareholder agreements reached in UHURUnet and AWCC. Manufacturing slots secured in the AWCC. Both cables on track to be on service by 2010

2.6.2

Develop and start implementation of Set Top Box manufacturing strategy

DoC, DTI, NT

Sep-08

Strategy still needs to be presented at the Industrial Strategy Focus Group and economic cluster plenary

2.6.3

Develop and start implementation of Local and Digital Content Development Strategy

DoC, DAC, DoE, DTI, Presidency

Jun-08

The draft strategy has been completed and will be presented to Cabinet during Nov-08

2.6.4

Develop and start implementation of the Broadcasting Digital Migration Awareness Strategy

DoC, DPLG, GCIS, Presidency

Mar-08

Awareness strategy and implementation plan completed. External consultant appointed to assist with rolling out the strategy

2.7

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

DTI, Presidency

Jul-08

Amendment Bill adopted by parliament and awaits sign-off by the President

2.8

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

DST, DPE, DTI

Mar-08

Integration of institutions to operate under Technology Innovation Agency almost complete. Technology Innovation initiative business case completed

2.9

Improve design and administration of industrial financing

DTI, NT, Presidency

Dec-08

Enterprise Investment Programme as a replacement scheme for Small Medium Enterprise Development Programme launched. Automotive Production Development Plan released. Finalising proposal on tax incentives

2.10

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

DWAF, DEAT, DME

Dec-08

Water demand/supply reconciliation studies for Cape Town and Buffalo City completed Vaal River System is being finalised

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

Work regarding revision of the indices as contained in the National Small Business Amendment Act 2003 is underway. The project on the rollout of red tape to 2010 host cities municipalities was presented at the Cluster

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

CSDPs completed by Eskom and Transnet. Both the study on the measures and rationale to limit the exportation of scrap and the reviews on import duties in main input industries underway and will be completed will be completed in Dec-08

2.12.2

Automotives assembly and components

DTI, NT

Ongoing

The new support programme for the automotive production Development Programme announced in Sep-08. The legislation of the new programme will be Mar-09

2.12.3

Chemicals, plastics fabrication and pharmaceuticals

DTI, DEAT, DST, Presidency, Health

Ongoing

The site for the halogen hub has been identified and feasibility studies completed

2.12.4

Forestry, pulp and paper and furniture sector

DWAF, DEAT, DTI, Presidency

Ongoing

Aforestation plans for Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal completed

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 for the National Wireless Broadband has been approved by Sentech board. Initial testing of WiMax network and development of products for vendor appointment 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

Data of comparator countries in terms of access, cost and usage of telecommunication infrastructure and services has been completed. The programme of action to reduce telecommunication cost will be completed in Dec-08

2.13.3

Begin construction of submarine cables

DoC, DEAT, DPE, DPLG, NT

Dec-08

Baharicom shareholding structure due for conclusion. Agreement reached with Nigeria and Kenya on Main One

2.14

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

DTI, Presidency

May-08

Business and operational plans completed

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 law enforcement plan has been completed. The scrapping and the recapacitating of operating licensing board has been limited by insufficient funding

3.1.2

Implement the reformed public transport subsidy system

DoT, DPE, NT

Oct-08

Development of integrated public transport network services design has commenced in all provinces and metros

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 has been concluded. DoT has finalised a fleet acquisition requirement and implementation plan for Cabinet's consideration

3.2

Finalise framework for economic regulators

Presidency, DME, DoC, DPE, DTI, NT

Oct-08

The Framework was presented and supported by the Cluster

3.3

Implementation of the National Maintenance Strategy using EPWP

DPW

Mar-09

The maintenance strategy has been launched

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

The electricity savings campaign was launched by the Deputy President, where government, business and labour support was given to the energy efficiency drive

4

EQUITY AND DEVELOPMENT

4.1

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

DTI, NT

Mar-10

Business case for direct lending option by Khula ready for presentation to Cabine

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

An agreement has been reached to align the PPPFA and B-BBEE codes through preferential procurement regulations

4.3

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

DTI, NT

Jun-08

The Director-General bilateral meeting of NT and the DTI agreed that the task team must be reconvened to finalise the process of alignment

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

Draft integration framework has been completed and presented to the DTI MINMEC

4.5

Improve communication on Second Economy initiatives

GCIS, DPE, DTI, Presidency

Ongoing

All provinces commenced with beneficiary workshops. Radio, TV and print programmes rolled out

4.6

Strengthen Tourism Enterprise Programme to promote tourism development

DEAT, DTI, NT

Mar-08

National Tourism Career's Expo was held in Oct-08 to create a platform for interaction among stakeholders. An integrated tourism service excellence strategy was launched in Nov-08

4.7

Finalisation of EPWP Strategic Review

DPW

Jun-08

Revised EPWP has been completed

4.8

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

Presidency, DoL, DPLG, DTI, NT

Dec-08

Refer to 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

Business and operational plans completed

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

Revised NHRDS completed and presented to Cabinet. Final draft will be presented to Cabinet in Jan-09 after external consultations

5.2

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

DoL, DoE, DTI, Presidency

Mar-09

IPAP for 2008/09 is being finalised for inclusion in the SETAs Service Level Agreements. SETA Sector Skills Plans are in the process of being concluded

5.3

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

DHA, DFA, DoE, DoL, DTI

Dec-08

Department of Home Affairs has established 27 new large accounts to deal with the work permit applications of large companie

5.4

Implement self-employment interventions (A 9)

DoL, DTI, Presidency

Mar-09

Results of 2nd quarter on unemployed persons training on social development programmes: 46718 trained and 5578 placed. 2nd quarter report not yet finalised. 1128 non levy paying enterprises was supported by skills development

5.5

Resolve organisational issues on skills development (A 5)

DoL, DoE

Mar-09

Review implementation strategy is being finalised at NEDLAC. SETA re-establishment document has been completed by NSA stakeholders and SETAs