| Government’s Programme of Action - 2005 | |
| Economic Cluster | ||
| Updated 01 Feb 2006 | ||
| Index | Next |
| Actions | Departments | TimeFrame | Progress update - 04 Apr 2006 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | BROAD ECONOMIC STANCE | ||||
| 1.1 | No significant changes to macroeconomic management foreseen | NT | Ongoing | Broad economic stance is under continuous management. Regular reporting by the National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank | |
| 1.2 | Inflation targeting to remain in place | NT | Ongoing | See 1.1 | |
| 1.3 | The Executive should work with the monetary authorities to ensure that the objective of a stable and competitive exchange rate and appropriate inflation range is attained | NT | Ongoing | See 1.1 | |
| 1.4 | Shift to microeconomic reforms | dti, NT, Presidency | Ongoing | ||
| 1.4.1 | Develop a business plan to effectively and efficiently implement MERS. Include economic cluster activities contained in the Programme of Action in the MERS reporting framework | dti, NT, Presidency | A project to ensure the alignment of the MTSF. MERS, and the POA was developed by the Cluster in Nov-05 | ||
2 | INCREASED LEVELS OF INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE | ||||
| 2.1 | Implement sector-specific infrastructure investment plans within the framework announced in Nov-04 | DPE, DME, dti, NT, DOT, DWAF | Ongoing | Implementation is taking place at SOE level | |
| 2.1.1 | Finalise Investment plan for public passenger transport | DPE, NT, DOT | Cabinet approved the Interim National Passenger Rail Plan in Dec-05. A second regional and operational rail plan will be prepared in consultation with stakeholders | ||
| 2.1.2 | Implement plans to strengthen the balance sheet of Transnet and implement investment action plans | DOT, DPE | Measures to strengthen the Transnet Balance Sheet have been announced. The implementation of investment plans is underway | ||
| 2.1.3 | Investment in five top freight border posts | DOT | Roadmap on all 55 border posts on infrastructure requirements done. In process of engaging national public works department on border infrastructure investments | ||
| 2.1.4 | Investment in air freight infrastructure | DOT | National Freight Logistic Strategy has been approved by Cabinet and further process is being outlined | ||
| 2.1.5 | Spoornet increase freight capacity by 30% over 5 years | DOT, DPE | 2009 | The Minister of Transport launched the implementation process for the revival of Belmont-Douglas rail line in Oct-05 | |
| 2.1.6 | Implement strategy on provision and management of water resources | DWAF | Ongoing | Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency by Apr-08. Preparations for establishment are ongoing | |
| 2.2 | Implementation of financing strategies and plans including Public Private Partnerships and similar mechanisms | DPE, DME, dti, NT, DOT, DPLG, DWAF | Ongoing | Investment plans announced. SOEs will continue the implementation of infrastructure investment plans | |
| 2.2.1 | Public private partnerships in infrastructure development should be more strongly supported by the National Treasury who should engage with the private sector on expediting the delivery of PPPs | NT | Fully established and operational PPP Unit in National Treasury | ||
| 2.3 | Implementation of an appropriate regulatory framework to stimulate new State Owned Enterprise investment in infrastructure | DPE, NT, Presidency | May-05 | The final report completed and circulated to stakeholder departments | |
| 2.3.1 | NER to urgently establish electricity tariffs that facilitate investment | DME | Timetable for the finalisation of the tariff agreement completed. The three-year pricing document to be approved by the NER | ||
| 2.4 | Strengthening of Government capacity to oversee the State Owned Enterprises | DPE, NT, DPSA | Continuous | Framework to be presented to Cabinet | |
| 2.4.1 | DPE to submit shareholder management model, performance practices among State Owned Enterprises and remuneration of executive and non-executive directors to Cabinet | DPE | See 2.4 | ||
| 2.4.2 | Finalise Government-wide review of the State Owned Enterprises performance practices | DPE, NT, DPSA | May-05 | See 2.4 | |
| 2.5 | Better utilization of Public Investment Commission's Isabaya fund | NT, GDC | May-05 | Isibaya Fund operational | |
3 | INCREASE LEVELS OF INVESTMENT IN THE FIRST ECONOMY | ||||
| 3.1 | Existing fora of consultation, including working groups, should be strengthened in the implementation of Growth and Development Summit agreements | Presidency, DoL, dti, NT | Ongoing | The Joint Working Group regularly reviews implementation of the GDS agreements. Working groups and other fora have been engaged in briefings and consultation concerning Asgi-SA | |
| 3.1.1 | Consideration of Nedlac as a vehicle for social partnerships, the impact not only the first economy but also the second economy. Review of the appropriateness and adequacy of Nedlac as an institution that impacts both on economic and social policy. | DoL | 2005 | Final review documents are being completed | |
| 3.2 | Alignment of marketing agencies and departments | dti, NT, GCIS, DFA, DEAT | |||
| 3.2.1 | Road shows to present potential domestic and foreign investors each of the sectors identified within the Micro Economic Reform Strategy (MERS), explaining incentives available to attract investments into these sectors, including advantages offered by IDZ | dti, NT | Ongoing | Customised Sector Development programmes supporting priority sector development including increased investments into sectors approved within the Dti. An integrated branding strategy being finalised and will promote focused investment promotion | |
| 3.2.2 | Investment promotion must shift focus from general value propositions towards determining the actual costs of doing business and benchmarking these against competitor countries | dti, ME, DPE | Mar-06 | Research on international comparisons completed. Publication with Business Management cost to be produced in early 2006. Government working on the "SA Geared for Growth" publication which incorporates information on the cost of doing business in SA | |
| 3.2.3 | Improve the communication to investment community about what services are offered by Government and its related agencies | dti, DFA, GCIS | Improved coordination in government and with the International Marketing Council has been established and new products are being produced and disseminated | ||
| 3.3 | More attention needs to be given to additional costs to business imposed by local government | dti, DPLG, NT | See 7.4.1 | See 7.4.1 | |
| 3.4 | Increase rate of investment by exploiting private direct investment through an integrated approach to the 2010 Soccer World Cup | dti, EIE Cluster, DSR | A 2010 Enterprise Development plan is being developed in conjunction with IDC and will identify opportunities arising from the World Cup, focusing on small businesses within the services sectors (especially IT, construction and tourism) | ||
4 | LOWER COST STRUCTURE IN THE ECONOMY AND ENHANCED LEVELS OF COMPETITION | ||||
| 4.1 | Submit to Cabinet a comprehensive Freight/logistical strategy | DOT, DPE, dti | May-05 | National Freight Logistics Strategy launched. Second round of consultations on the strategy at all port cities, involving municipalities has started. KZN Freight Logistics finalised | |
| 4.1.1 | Introduce multiple competing operators to rail and ports | DOT | The National Ports Authority bill was assented by the President and the Department of Transport has started a process to set up the Independent Ports Economic Regulator | ||
| 4.1.2 | Separate operations from infrastructure provisions in rail sector and ensure customer-oriented institutional structures | DOT | The principle as outlined in the National Freight Logistics Strategy is approved. Rail safety regulator established | ||
| 4.1.3 | Transfer of strategic roads to SANRAL | DOT | A total of 3250 kms of roads of strategic economic importance have been transferred | ||
| 4.2 | Cabinet's decisions on administered prices should be implemented including publishing a policy on administered prices, and the establishment of an administered prices index by StatsSA | NT | May-05 | StatsSa complied with the deadline regarding administered prices index. Research agenda to be finalised with the Task Team | |
| 4.3 | The issue of import parity pricing should be addressed | dti | Mar-06 | Cabinet in Oct-05 received a report on work relating to import parity pricing and agreed to intensify consultations with role-players with a view to completing the first phase of pricing agreement in the first part of 2006 | |
| 4.4 | Improve telecommunications infrastructure and regulation | DoC, DPE, dti, DPSA | |||
| 4.4.1 | Increase internet subscribers and broadband and ICT usage | DoC, dti, DPSA | Decision taken on developing an indicator system that will help in measuring SA progress in developing information society | ||
| 4.4.2 | Second National Operator to be licensed and Operational | DoC | a.s.a.p | The Second National Operator licence was awarded in Dec-05 | |
| 4.4.3 | Promulgate the Convergence Bill | DoC | Convergence Bill and ICASA Bill passed by Parliament | ||
| 4.4.4 | Facilitate broadband technology for 1st and 2nd economy needs | DoC, NT | Superhighway discussions are being concluded and various immediate steps have been identified | ||
| 4.4.5 | Initiate modernisation of ICT infrastructure through digitisation | DoC | Digital migration working group established and mandated to assist government on the way forward. SADC countries met and looked at formulation of a common strategy for submission to International Telecommunications Union | ||
| 4.5 | Improve port infrastructure and operations | DOT, DPE, dti | |||
| 4.5.1 | Accelerate the finalisation of the National Ports Authority Bill | DOT, DPE | a.s.a.p | National Ports Authority Bill is approved. DoT is acquiring services to draft regulations and choosing and appropriate location for the Independent Ports Regulator | |
| 4.5.2 | First ship dock at Coega/Ngqura | dti, DPE | Sep-05 | Land acquisition programme finalised and infrastructure development on track. Memoranda of Understanding with key strategic partners signed and ISO 14001 certification achieved | |
| 4.6 | Strengthening of Sector Regulators | DoC, Presidency, NT, dti, DEAT, DWAF | |||
| 4.6.1 | Cluster to report on issue of competition in the economy with specific focus on regulated prices, strengthening of the law multiple regulators vs single regulator and price setting by regulators | DPE, DOT, DME, DOC, DWAF | Continuous | The working group looking at lowering the cost to communicate has been appointed. See also 2.3 | |
| 4.7 | Enhancing the transport system | DOT, DPE | |||
| 4.7.1 | Review and amend transport public entity legislation | DOT, DPE | The General Laws Amendment Bill has been considered by Cabinet and is now tabled for consideration by the Transport Portfolio Committee of Parliament | ||
| 4.7.2 | Undertake pilot projects for non motorized transport | DOT | New partnerships with the cycling community, NGOs in accelerating the implementation of Non-motorised transport (NMT) projects established and integrating it into existing transport programmes | ||
| 4.7.3 | Implement taxi recap within a reformed bus subsidy system | DOT, dti, NT | Vehicle safety requirements published. HRM Strategy for TRP provincial roll out in place. Comments on Model Tender Document for subsidised services recvd. DoT has called for an open tender to provide Taxi recap Scrapping Allowance Agency infrastructure | ||
| 4.8 | Regional Electricity Distributor to operate first in 2005, all Regional Electricity Distributors operational by 2006 | DME, NT, DPLG | Jun-05, Jan-07 | RED1 management commenced with setting up day to day operations of the RED. A generic roadmap for the establishment of RED2 has been developed | |
| 4.9 | Award tender for the new IPP power station by June 2005, and ensure the deadline for having a new power station by 2008 is met | DME, DPE | Jun-05 | Request for qualification (RfQ) evaluation completed and five bidders were shortlisted. The request for proposals (RfP) documentation finalised and to be released to the shortlisted shortly | |
| 4.10 | Simplify system of tax and levy payments and business registration for all businesses. | NT, SARS | Ongoing review | ||
| 4.11 | Continue with regulatory impact assessment research with a view to possibly introducing an RIA tool into law and regulation making procedures-recommendation to Cabinet by December 2005 | Presidency, NT, dti, DEAT | Dec-05 | Research complete. RIA report being circulated to all national departments | |
5 | KEY SECTOR DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES | ||||
| 5.1 | Sector development strategies need focus, stronger government implementation structures and support; strong partnerships and synergies with labour and business; and accelerated development and implementation of support strategies for priority sectors | dti, NT, DEAT, Presidency, DST, DEAT | |||
| 5.1.1 | New Sector Priorities to include: community and social services, wood and paper, appliances, retail and construction. | dti, NT, DEAT | Dec-05 | Research on new sector priorities being commissioned for 2006 | |
| 5.2 | Priority Sector: Agriculture | DOA, dti, NT, DWAF, DEAT | |||
| 5.2.1 | The DoA to work with the Independent Development Trust and National Development Agency and DTI to finalize a programme aimed at strengthening farmer's organisations | DOA, dti, NT, DWAF, DEAT | Mobilisation and Development of Farmer Organisations Implementation Plan which identifies different types of farmer organisations and intervention tools undergoing Internal consultation | ||
| 5.2.2 | Agreement between government and all the identified stakeholders on a revised implementation strategy and action plan for the Agriculture Sector Strategy | DOA | Discussions held with Farmers’ Unions. Engagement with the Labour Unions to take place in due course | ||
| 5.2.3 | More work involving the National Treasury, the ARC, provincial departments of agriculture and local governments is needed to resolve budgetary constraints | DOA, NT | The clusters to continue working on marketing infrastructure and mechanisation and another 4x4 to discuss marketing infrastructure and mechanisation done | ||
| 5.2.4 | DOA together with dti, National Treasury, DWAF and DEAT to finalise the Integrated Agricultural Development Plan | DOA, NT, DWAF, DEAT, dti | Draft Integrated Agriculture Development Programme completed. Further engagement to take place within the Economic Cluster to firm the proposals | ||
| 5.2.5 | Department of Agriculture will review its existing Memorandum of Agreement with the Provinces to align it with the IGR Bill | DOA | The basic principles of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) underpinning the Department’s relationship with provinces are captured in the IGR Act, so there is no need to continue with the MOU | ||
| 5.3 | Priority Sector: Tourism | DEAT, dti, DOT, DPE, DOL, SAPS, GCIS | |||
| 5.3.1 | Increase capacity and competition on key routes through air bilateral agreements | DEAT, DOT, DPE | A template indicating airline frequencies from all portfolio markets drawn and research will be conducted to determine the markets needing airline capacity increased. DOT 2010 transport strategy developed. ACSA upgrading CT, Dbn and CT airports in 05/06 | ||
| 5.3.2 | Tourism and hospitality SETA (THETA) to accelerate skills training | DEAT, DOL | HIV/AIDS – 5000 x toolkit developed & published. In-house Management Skills – workers – target 413: 625 entered; blacks 310; f 377 & disabled 1; ABET – training workers – target 5000: achieved 267; blacks 146; 104 f & disabled 1 | ||
| 5.3.3 | Complete competitiveness study and coordinate implementation with transformation strategy | DEAT, DOL | The product and infrastructure projects identified during phase2 of GCP presented to Mpumalanga and KZN municipalities | ||
| 5.3.4 | Establish Tourism Satellite Account | DEAT, StatsSA | System of Tourism Statistics document on definitions for units of measures developed and workshop to discuss it held in Aug-05. Developing a tourism product database to be used to source samples for the surveys to be done for the TSA | ||
| 5.3.5 | Boost policing in key tourism areas, and address perception issues in international marketing campaign | SAPS, DEAT, GCIS | See JCPS 4.3.1 | See JCPS 4.3.1 | |
| 5.4 | Priority Sectors: Cultural Industries | DAC, DPLG, dti | |||
| 5.4.1 | Nomination / Appointment of reliable and competent service providers | DAC | Aug-05 | Intensive interaction with all stakeholders on Music, Crafts & Publishing. Private & public entities engagement in advanced stage. Copyright and IKS for Heritage sites in progress | |
| 5.4.2 | Clear co-ordination between National, Provincial and Municipalities (District & Local) Alignment of Cultural Industries implementation with LED (Local Economic Development) programmes in Provinces and Municipalities | DAC, DPLG, dti | Jan-06 | Refer to 5.4.1 | |
| 5.4.3 | Audit of needs from Municipalities on related funded projects. Cultural Industries Mapping: assessing/quantifying contribution of Cultural Industries in the economy | DAC | Jan-06 | Refer to 5.4.1 | |
| 5.4.4 | Improved networking of projects and sharing of available resources | DAC | Refer to 5.4.1 | ||
| 5.4.5 | Creation of cultural industries inter departmental body inclusive of all spheres of government | DAC | Dec-05 | Refer to 5.4.1 | |
| 5.4.6 | Establishment of National representative bodies | DAC | Dec-05 | Refer to 5.4.1 | |
| 5.5 | Priority Sectors: Information and Communication Technology | DoC, DOL,, DOE, DoH, dti | |||
| 5.5.1 | Increase ICT learnership programme | DoC, DoL | Services SETA in the process of assessing existing learnership programme, to determine their responsiveness to the ICT Sector skills requirements | ||
| 5.5.2 | Support the implementation of the priority areas of e-education, health, e-government and SMMEs | DoC, DoH, DoE, dti | E-education – preparations for the NEPAD e-schools project launch are underway. SMMEs – finalising Articles of Association with ALCATEL to rollout Internet Café model for the youth. Pilot project to be in Tembisa | ||
| 5.5.3 | Operationalise the Advanced African Institute for ICT in 2005 | DoC, DST, DoE, DoL, DPSA | The governance organs of the institute are fully operational | ||
| 5.5.4 | Establishment of National Research Network for R&D | DoC, DST | Incorporated in Convergence Bill and taken through to Parliament | ||
| 5.5.5 | Finalise decisions on government holdings in ICT SOEs | DoC, DPE | The terms of reference to evaluate the status of the SOEs completed. Consultation on the results of the divestiture strategy with DPE are ongoing | ||
| 5.6 | Priority Sector: Mining and Metals | DME, dti , DOT, DOL,NT, DST | |||
| 5.6.1 | Intensification of negotiations with key private sector actors to address import parity pricing and introduce a developmental pricing model for steel | Mar-06. See 4.3 | See 4.3 | ||
| 5.6.2 | Introduce an appropriate regulatory instrument to limit the export of scrap metal | Oct-05 | Still being processed | ||
| 5.6.3 | Work with Spoornet to reduce logistics constraints | DOT, DPE, dti | On going | ||
| 5.6.4 | Develop and implement a skills plan for the sector in conjunction with business and labour | dti, DME, DOL | Ongoing | ||
| 5.6.5 | The Precious Metals and Diamond General Amendment Bill to be promulgated | DME | The Diamonds Amendment Bill and Precious Metals Bill were approved by Parliament at the end of Oct-05 beginning of Nov-05 respectively | ||
| 5.6.6 | Development of relevant incentives for the beneficiation of minerals | DME, dti | Meetings with DTI and other stakeholders ongoing | ||
| 5.7 | Priority Sectors: Clothing and Textile | dti, NT,DFA | Mar-06 | ||
| 5.7.1 | Review tariffs on textiles to provide for lower input costs to the clothing sector | dti | This is included as an action programme within the CSP that is being developed and requires further research to assess input costs along the whole textile and clothing value chain. Further research is under way | ||
| 5.7.2 | Continue trade negotiations with China to reduce surge of clothing imports into SA. Work with SARS to improve customs inspection to reduce illegal imports of clothing | dti, NT, DFA | The issue of the surge in imports from China is being dealt with by ITAC and the dti. A high level of progress has been achieved in negotiations | ||
| 5.7.3 | Finalise and implement a replacement for duty credit certificate scheme | dti, NT | Jun-05 | The Minister is considering the introduction of an interim scheme and in the process of finalising the stakeholder consultation on the broader Customised Sector Programme | |
| 5.8 | Priority Sectors: Chemicals and Biotech | dti, DST,DOL, DPE, DME, DST | |||
| 5.8.1 | Intensification of negotiations with key private sector actors to address import parity pricing and introduction of a developmental pricing model for chemical feedstocks | dti | FRIDGE Study on the impact of IPP on the chemicals sector was commissioned in May-05. Strategic measures presented to Cabinet in Sep-05 and agreed. See also 4.3 | ||
| 5.8.2 | Develop and implement a skills plan for the sector in conjunction with business and labour in this sector | dti, DST, DOL | Joint skills study to identify skills needs of the sector completed and agreement reached between the dti and the Chemical SETA on priority skills needs, and these have been integrated in the Chemical SETA Sector Skills Plan | ||
| 5.8.3 | Review the tariff structure in the chemicals sectors | dti | Mar-06 | See 5.8.1 | |
| 5.8.4 | Restructure the State-owned chemical industry and review government's ownership of parts of the sector and how this can be leveraged to achieve BEE objectives and the development of strategic chemical inputs | DPE, dti, NT | The tender evaluation process has been concluded. Work to proceed in the first quarter of 2006 following finalization of contractual obligations with the service provider | ||
| 5.8.5 | Conclude the chemicals sector summit process underway at Nedlac | dti, DOL, DME | Oct-05 | Draft agreement of the proposed chemical sector summit between the social partners (i.e. government, business and labour) has been finalised within the Trade and Industry Chamber of Nedlac, to be finalised with Principals and signed | |
| 5.9 | Priority Sectors: Auto and Transport | dti, NT | |||
| 5.9.1 | Intensification with key private sector actors to address import parity pricing and introduction of the developmental pricing model for steel | dti | Motor Industry Development Council appointed a Task Team to coordinate this project. Cabinet position taken on IPP. Negotiations with Mittal Steel are ongoing and roundtable negotiations with relevant sector representatives will take place | ||
| 5.9.2 | Complete the review of the MIDP | dti, NT | Dec-05 | Research for review process currently being undertaken. Consultation with stakeholders underway | |
| 5.10 | Priority Sectors: Services | dti, NT, DST, DOL, DEAT and SS Cluster | |||
| 5.10.1 | Accelerate research programme and policy development as agreed by Cabinet | dti | Dec-05 | New research strategy approved and incorporated into programme of the dti. Long-term research in progress. Services sector strategy completed for submission to Cabinet | |
6 | ENHANCE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS | ||||
| 6.1 | Priority focus on Africa | dti, DOA, DME, DFA, Presidency | |||
| 6.1.1 | Finalise national export strategy and market access information strategy following engagement with export sectors to help take advantage of possibilities to expand access to EU and US markets as a result of the SA-EU Trade & Development Agreement and AGOA | dti, DOA, DME | Jun-05 | National Export Strategy narrated. Joint workshop in Gauteng, W Cape and KZN arranged. Market access information and briefing being processed | |
| 6.1.2 | Pay the necessary attention to the earliest possible conclusion of trade agreements with Mercosur, EFTA, the US, India and China | dti, DFA, Presidency, NT | Ongoing | Negotiations on Mercusor, EFTA, USA, China and India in progress and scope of progress being finalised - conclusions in 2006. | |
| 6.1.3 | Create cross-border financing mechanisms for cross-border projects | dti, NT | Scoping and scanning for opportunities in SADC and African countries' SDIs underway, business opportunities packaged and conference to be held 2006. Consultants to scope in DRC appointed | ||
| 6.1.4 | Synergise Nepad actions with other development aid initiatives such as the UK's Commission on Africa | dti, DFA, NT | See 6.1.5 | ||
| 6.1.5 | Dti to convene and champion a government-wide process to develop an integrated approach to engagement with Africa on economic development | dti, DFA, DPSA, Presidency | A well-consulted and consensus-based draft strategy document was presented to the Cabinet Lekgotla in Jul-05. Comments and inputs are currently being incorporated for the finalisation of the document | ||
7 | ENHANCE ECONOMIC INCLUSION | ||||
| 7.1 | Implementation of broad based BEE strategy | dti, NT, DOC, DME, DOA, DWAF, DEAT | a.s.a.p | Second BBBEE Draft Codes of Good Practice released in Dec-05 for public comment. ICT; Mining; Financial Services; Petroleum & Tourism charters has been finalised awaiting the finalisation of the code of good practice | |
| 7.1.1 | Finalise charters in strategic sectors and review sector BBBEE strategies by ensuring all government departments actively guide charter processes | dti, NT, DOC, DME, DOA, DWAF, DEAT | Jun-05 | See 7.1. Wine; Transport; Construction; Agriculture; Auto and Aerospace; Property; Pharmaceutical and Health charters are at various formulation stages | |
| 7.1.2 | Codes of Good Practice to be finalised and widely communicated | dti, NT, DOC, DME, DOA, DWAF, DEAT | Phase 2 of codes of good practice issued for public comment in Dec-05 | ||
| 7.1.3 | Establish BEE Advisory Council to advise on implementation of BBBEE strategy, which informed by the BBBEE Act | dti | During 2005 | Consultations on Advisory Council being completed after BEE Codes of Good Practice finalisation | |
| 7.2 | Enhance and accelerate sector support programmes | DOA, DEAT | |||
| 7.2.1 | Re-establish the Agricultural Credit Scheme (ACS) to provide capital for emerging farmers, and accelerate the comprehensive farmer support programmes | DOA | Ongoing | Scheme roll-out in Sekhukhune, O.R.Tambo & Mkhanyakude Districts implemented as well as Production Loan Scheme; Credit Evaluation Committees; and Saving Mobilisation product. Credit applications available and accessible in Nodal districts | |
| 7.2.2 | Accelerate the tourism enterprise programme | DEAT | Ongoing | There is increased awareness regarding the Tourism Enterprise Programme (TEP) in the Provinces, with the resultant willingness to sustain TEP and meeting the BEE procurement targets, as well as increasing provincial contributions to TEP budget | |
| 7.3 | Support programmes for cooperative enterprises | dti, DOA | Completed | ||
| 7.3.1 | Bill on cooperatives and implement cooperatives strategy to be submitted to Parliament | dti, DOA | May-05 | See 7.3 | |
| 7.3.2 | Set up the cooperatives registration office in Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office | dti | See 7.3 | ||
| 7.4 | Actively coordinated support to small and micro enterprises | dti, DME, DPE, NT, DPLG | Ongoing | ||
| 7.4.1 | Review regulatory framework of SMME, to facilitate its growth and development, implement recommendations of the regulatory impact review of small enterprises and introduce appropriate exemption of small businesses | Presidency, dti, NT | Sep-05 | Report submitted to cabinet in Nov-05 and will be discussed early in 2006 | |
| 7.4.2 | Expedite operation of SEDA, including necessary amendments to SMME Act | dti | Ongoing | SEDA Operational | |
| 7.4.3 | SEDA to open provincial offices | dti | The first provincial and district SEDA offices opened in North-West. Seven additional provincial launches are expected to be finalised by the end of the financial year 2005/6 | ||
| 7.4.4 | Integrate the Community Public Private Partnership into SEDA | dti | The Community Public Private Partnership already incorporated into SEDA as one of the business units | ||
| 7.4.5 | Work with the financial institutions to implement provisions of the Financial Charter as it relates to SMME | NT, dti | a.s.a.p | On track- part of Financial Services Charter process | |
| 7.4.6 | Allocate additional resources to enterprise support programmes in the budget over the medium term, especially in the areas of R&D, sector support, access to finance, BEE and small enterprise development (including Co-ops) | dti, DST, NT, DOA | Feb-06 | South African Microfinance Apex Fund launched in North-West, Eastern Cape & Limpopo in conjunction with the office of the provincial MEC of Finance and Economic Development. Currently developing set-asides programme | |
| 7.4.7 | Strengthen capacity of dti as the lead department for enterprise development | dti | Ongoing | Dti is to provide Secretariat for co-ordinating small business interventions across government. Activity incorporated into the departmental programme | |
| 7.4.8 | Set up the Small Business Advisory Council | dti | Dec-05 | Contacts with the Chamber movement being made for representation in the Council | |
| 7.4.9 | Table integrated Small Business Strategy in Cabinet for approval | dti | Jul-05 | Strategy tabled in Parliament | |
8 | A LABOUR FORCE WITH THE SKILLS NEEDED BY THE ECONOMY | ||||
| 8.1 | Policy framework relating to immigrant labour | dti, DHA | |||
| 8.1.1 | A policy framework on issues relating to immigrant labour should be developed and published, allowing flexible immigration in areas of scarce skills | dti, DHA | Jun-05. See 8.1.2 | Immigration regulations finalised and published. Draft National Critical Skills List 2005/6 finalised and awaiting approval by National HRD Coordinating Committee before implementation by DHA | |
| 8.1.2 | Finalise Immigration regulations to recruit targeted scarce skills in the short term | DHA, DoL, dti | Apr-05 | Activity completed. Consultations are proceeding with stakeholder Departments on Section 19(1) of the Act | |
| 8.2 | Implement the updated NSDS 2005-2010 with an allocated amount of R21.9 billion over 5 years | DoL, DoE | |||
| 8.2.1 | Establishment of Skills Development Agency would reduce administrative burden on employers | DoL | Ongoing | 6, 472 learners recruited through ESDLE pilot project. R180m allocated to train additional 4528 learners from Aug-05. Evaluation of ESDLE pilot programme to be completed in Feb-06. Policy framework to be finalised in Feb-06 to roll-out ESDAs from Apr-06 | |
| 8.2.2 | Labour and Education to market learnership programme aggressively to recruit more school leavers and graduates | DoL, DoE | Ongoing | Negotiations on 2005/6 learnership targets finalised. DoL maintain databases of potential learners for recruitment in learnerships. Sector skills published and 5,000 learners in learnership are in FET colleges | |
| 8.2.3 | Finalise and announce new SETA structures | DoL | May-05 | 23 SETAs fully operational | |
| 8.2.4 | Improve the effectiveness of the skills development structures in government for the implementation of the Human Resource Development strategy | DoL, DoE | May-05 | DoL has implemented performance agreement with SETAs and National Skills Fund service providers / projects, Umsobomvu & the National Productivity Institute on target and is able to provide a quarterly consolidated report on implementation | |
| 8.2.5 | Create mechanism to link SETAs with the related sector strategy drivers | DoL | Draft sector skills plans are being adjusted in accordance with the NSDS 2005-10. Process is underway to secure services of a research partner to undertake research on sector scarce skills and to support various SETA SSP initiatives | ||
| 8.3 | Establish alignment between SETA's and public FET and Higher education institutions | DoE, DoL, dti, NT, Presidency | |||
| 8.3.1 | Adequate funding for technical colleges and align courses with economy needs | DoL, DoE | Ongoing | DoE/DoL with SETAs and industry have developed 10 new programmes to be offered at FET colleges from 2006/7. Six centres of excellence launched through NRF and post doctoral, Hons and Masters grants awarded through NRF | |
| 8.3.2 | Establish register of all graduates | DoE, NYC | May-05 | The graduate register was completed in 2004 and is being updated on an annual basis | |
| 8.3.3 | Ongoing review of educational curriculum relevance to the needs of the economy and cultivating and entrepreneurial culture | DoE, DoL, dti, NT, Presidency | Ongoing | The FET Curriculum has been revised, published and will be implemented from 2006. It is relevant to the needs of the economy. FET Colleges are being re-capitalised based on needs of region/province, ensuring curricula needs meet economy | |
| 8.3.4 | Increase output of universities and technikons in priority sectors e.g. engineering by aligning NSFAS and subsidy funding with scarce skills | DOE | NSFAS and subsidy funding is already aligned to scarce skills | ||
9 | INCREASED R&D SPENDING AND THE DIFFUSION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES | ||||
| 9.1 | Increase public sector R&D investment and expand incentives (not necessarily financial) available to the private sector to do the same, in order to meet international benchmarks and align focal areas with national development goals | DST | Ongoing | Modeling study on tax incentives for private sector completed. Project initiation during 2006 on options for improving Patents Office services to private sector investors. DST guideline document for govt departments finalised - 2006 trial run planned. | |
| 9.2 | Development of our region as a global hub for astronomy and space science and technology | DST | Ongoing | Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) launched in Nov-05.Project initiation on Karoo Array Telescope (KAT) as 2% component of South Africa’s bid for global investment Square Kilometer Array (SKA) radio telescope in Northern Cape | |
| 9.3 | A recommitment to the 2002 R&D Strategy target of 1% of GDP to be invested in R&D (public and private sectors) by 2008 | DST, dti | Process commencing for 2004/05 R&D Survey to run from Q2/2006. Process commencing for parallel surveys measuring R&D outputs to run from Q2/2006 | ||
| 9.4 | The existing Human Resource Development programmes of the National Research Foundation, the CSIR and the universities need to be strengthened | DST, DOE | Fluorochemicals capacity at NECSA secured. Planning completed for research chairs and funded at a level of R150m for 2007/08. CSIR turnaround strategy commenced | ||
10 | MORE EQUITABLE GEOGRAPHIC SPREAD OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY | ||||
| 10.1 | Develop a comprehensive economic map of South Africa. StatsSA will deliver spatial economic indicators - underlying data and indices - a key requirement is an integrated business register between StatsSA, SARS, dti and DOL | StatsSA, dti, Presidency | Dec-05 | A consultant has been appointed to assist with the development of a comprehensive economic map of South Africa | |
| 10.2 | Resolve political blockages on some Spatial Development Initiatives | dti, DEAT | Ongoing | See 6.1.3 | |
| 10.3 | Implement measures to align IDPs, provincial and national strategies (PGDS's) around priority spatial interventions, National Spatial development Perspective on the basis of Cabinet Memorandum submitted in Jan-05 See G&A 3.01 | Presidency, DPLG, NT | Dec-05 | Review and update of the NSDP completed. PGDS guidelines have been finalised. Assessment of PGDS against guidelines complete | |
| 10.4 | Develop a logistics corridor strategy | DOT, DTI, DPE | Jul-05 | National Freight Strategy approved by cabinet. To complete National Freight Databank by Jun-06 to enable scenario planning to take place. Establishment of Corridor Teams to develop logistics corridor strategies in process | |
11 | CO-ORDINATED SECOND ECONOMY INTERVENTIONS | ||||
| 11.1 | Extend Expanded Public Works Programme | DPW, NT, DPLG, DSD, DoH, DEAT, DWAF | Ongoing | For 2004/05 year progress, 3483 EPWP projects; 223410 gross and 174845 net job opportunities; and 861990 days of training provided. Expansion to housing commenced and discussions with Telkom are underway. Piloting sanitation programme commenced in Oct-05 | |
| 11.1.1 | Introduce steps to increase the numbers of Community Health Workers, having harmonised training standards and increased resources allocated to the programme | DoH, DPW, DSD | See Social | See SS cluster | |
| 11.1.2 | The Early Childhood Development programme, based on community participation, having ensured a common approach among all three spheres of government - the necessary additional funding will be provided | DoE | See Social | See SS cluster | |
| 11.2 | Finish Financing Protocol for the Urban Renewal and Rural Development Nodes | DPLG, NT, local & prov Govt | See G&A | See G & A Cluster 3.2.8 | |
| 11.3 | Start operations of the APEX Find | dti, Presidency | May-05 | See activity 6.1.3 | |
| 11.4 | Implement Land Reform for Agricultural Development process and Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme | DOA, DLA | Ongoing | 64,000 farmers benefited from CASP as from end Aug-05 | |
| 11.5 | Finalise AgriBEE charter | DOA | See 7.1.2 | Establishment of the AgriBEE charter targeted for the second quarter of 2006 | |
| 11.6 | Strategy for financial and non-financial support to co-operative enterprises | dti | May-05 | Incentive guidelines developed, to be tested and considered for approval. Educational tools designed and technical capacity support tool designed for compliance purpose | |
| 11.8 | Ensure that Community Development Workers are deployed in each local municipality | DPSA, DPLG, SAMDI | Mar-06 | National launch of CDW programme took place in Nov-05. 2 900 of the CDW learners have completed their training. The recruitment of 665 is complete, with 190 of these in Block 2 of the learnership. (See G&A 2.3.5) | |
| 11.9 | ICT introduced in nodes for governance and development purposes | DPSA, DOC, DPLG | a.s.a.p | SITA has supported initiatives around MPCC based ICT access on a sustainable basis. SITA and DPSA are conducting a strategic review of SITA and support for local government is under consideration | |
| 11.10 | Implementation of Municipal Infrastructure Grant | DPLG, NT | Ongoing | Households benefited from MIG by end Sep-05: Water 410 358; Sanitation 174 811; Roads 322 950; Storm Water 135 404; Solid Waste 24 607; 897 SMMEs utilised by end Sep-05 and 92 BEEs utilised by end Sept-05 | |
| 11.11 | Extend mass communication campaign to inform citizens in the second economy about opportunities, including for skills development, and available support and how to access these | GCIS, EIE Cluster | Ongoing | 13 Part TV series broadcast from Oct-05 to Jan-06. New government magazine Vuk'uzenzele launched in Oct-05 with economic opportunities focus. Updating of publication on economic opportunities in progress | |
| 11.12 | Develop strategy to promote equitable geographic spread of economic activity | dti, DPLG, Presidency | See 10 | The Regional Industrial Development Strategy draft document developed. Different work streams currently being undertaken and new interventions are being investigated The dti hosted a regional development workshop in Nov-05 | |
| 11.13 | Continue Spatial Development Initiatives | dti | Ongoing. See 10.2 | Part of the Regional Industrial Development Strategy and a framework of SDI’s is being investigated | |
| 11.14 | Job opportunities along the entire agricultural value chain | DOA | Ongoing | A number of commodity strategies have been completed while others are to be completed in the course of the year (refer to 5.2), to address job creation, competitiveness, profitability and sustainability | |
| 11.15 | Increased income from agricultural activities | DOA | See 5.2 | ||
| 11.16 | Increase support to agriculture in communal areas and other small scale agriculture, drawing on resources of ACS | DOA, DWAF | Ongoing | A number of applications received for credit and Production Loan Scheme. Capacity building for Local Finance Institutions available and the Micro Agriculture Finance Scheme Internal Lending Policy | |
| 11.17 | Implementation of Communal Land Rights Bill to improve the possibilities for better economic utilization of communal land | DLA, DOA | Ongoing | The National Implementation Framework is to be signed off. All necessary information has been collected after extensive consultation with stakeholders and interested parties | |
| 11.18 | StatsSA and relevant govt agencies to immediately start research on economic activities in Second Economy communities while implementing Cabinet decision on a comprehensive household survey and allocation of addresses to all households - | StatsSA | Before 2006 if possible | See 7.4 | |
| 11.19 | Socio-economic survey of communities to be conducted in three-year intervals | StatsSA, DSD | 2005 | All Casp pillars are active including MAFISA as financial assistance which opened for direct credit in Aug-05 | |
| 11.20 | Support programmes for cooperative enterprises | dti | See 7.4 | Cooperative incentive scheme is being piloted on 100 cooperatives that have been identified. Pre-incorporation education for any group that wants to become a cooperative | |
| 11.21 | Re-establish the Agricultural Credit Scheme (ACS) in DOA to provide capital for emerging farmers, and accelerate the comprehensive farmer support programmes | DOA | See 7.2 | ACS or MAFISA has been established | |
| Last updated: 2006 April 4 | |||||