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NEC LEKGOTLA July 2011 Produced by the African National Congress REPORT REPORT NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE LEKGOTLA The African National Congress National Executive Committee met for four days in a Lekgotla held in Tshwane`s St George Hotel from 14 – 17 July 2011 to make an in-depth assessment of work done by Government since the January Lekgotla. The NEC lekgotla was attended by the NEC members, alliance partners, ANC`s leagues, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Director Generals.
Transcript

NEC LEKGOTLA

July 2011

Produced by the African National Congress

REPORTREPORT

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE LEKGOTLA

The African National Congress National Executive Committee met for four days in a Lekgotla held in Tshwane`s St George Hotel from for four days in a Lekgotla held in Tshwane`s St George Hotel from 14 – 17 July 2011 to make an in-depth assessment of work done by Government since the January Lekgotla. The NEC lekgotla was attended by the NEC members, alliance partners, ANC`s leagues, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Director Generals.Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Director Generals.

POLITICAL OVERVIEW

Provide guidance to government

by ANC President Jacob G. ZumaComrades,

Let me start by congratulating the African National Congress Youth League for holding a successful National Congress last month.

We are happy that it took place without any disturbances and proved that the mistakes of the past had been corrected. We congratulate the newly elected Youth League leadership and welcome its re-elected President, Comrade Julius Malema. We also welcome to the NEC, the new Secretary General, Comrade Sindiso Magaqa.

Let me remind you that this NEC should support the ANC Youth League NEC in its work. The former secretary general, Vuyiswa Tulelo emphasised this point in her farewell message to the NEC, that the Youth League needs that guidance from us.

Through constant engagement and discussions, we can ensure that the Youth League plays its role of strengthening the mother body, and executes its primary function of organising young people into the ANC.

Comrades, tomorrow 15 July 2011, the ANC will offi cially launch its Centenary Celebration programme. It is one of the most critical ANC campaigns we have ever run.

We are a very privileged leadership indeed as this NEC, to be entrusted with the responsibility of organising the celebration of the centenary of this glorious movement. The centenary celebrations should refocus us all to the ANC and what it stands for, its culture, tradition and its legacy.

It will help us remind our people and the world of the pivotal role that the ANC plays and has played in the life of this country and the continent.

We are only fi ve months away from turning a hundred years as a movement. I trust therefore that we are close to achieving the one million member target we set for ourselves. You will recall that we agreed some time last year that each NEC member would recruit at least 10 people personally! I trust that by now we have recruited much more than that individually, in addition to mass recruitment drives.

The National Chairperson will give us details on our centenary programme which will require all our participation and contributions. Comrades, the fact that the ANC turns 100 next year means that we must be more serious about protecting and projecting our image, history, traditions, culture and character properly.

It means that we must show to all that we are the oldest liberation movement in Africa, and therefore our conduct and behaviour must refl ect the maturity of our organisation. When we celebrate 100 years we must ensure that we inculcate and instil the best values of our movement which have sustained us for such a long period.

Part of those traditions and culture include the unity of the ANC, unity with its alliance, maintaining the multi-class character of the ANC, its democratic nature, internationalist as well as its non-racial and non-sexist character. Those are the values that have sustained the ANC for the past 99 years. When we celebrate our 100 years next year these must be stronger than ever.

What is most important about the Centenary celebration is that it will give us an opportunity to articulate as a movement what is it that we think of ourselves and where we come from. It should be the ANC talking about itself that must capture the public space, not the journalists, media, academics, social commentators or so-called analysts. It must be us who lead the process of these celebrations.

In the same breath, Umkhonto we Sizwe will also reach a major milestone this year when it turns 50. The armed struggle pillar contributed immensely to advancing our struggle towards freedom. We must celebrate major campaigns of Umkhonto we Sizwe and its heroic combatants. The Wankie-Sipolilo Campaign deserves a huge celebration by our cadres. Those who fi rst faced the combat situation with the enemy must be correctly recognised. These issues are part of our legacy that we should celebrate as we approach the ANC Centenary next year.

Part of our legacy issues is also the name of Nelson Mandela and his role in the struggle for liberation, as part of a collective. The 18th of July will have the whole country performing activities to mark Mandela Day and to perform the 67 minutes of community service. We must ensure that the message does not become lost, of who Nelson Mandela really is. Those who now celebrate Madiba should be reminded that he is an integral part of the ANC. His role as a leader of the ANC must be celebrated far and wide by our structures.

When Madiba and his comrades adopted the 1949 Programme of Action they helped to revitalise the ANC to become a vibrant liberation movement in South Africa with a vision, and helped it to become a major force in the preceding decades.

Madiba always volunteered for the most diffi cult tasks hence he became the National Volunteer in Chief during the 1952 Defi ance Campaign of Unjust Apartheid Laws. His presence was also felt as

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NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

the ANC canvassed people’s opinions about what type of society they wanted towards the adoption of the Freedom Charter. The 1950’s became a fi ghting decade in the history of our struggle largely because of Nelson Mandela and his generation who declared that they wanted Freedom in our Lifetime.

They faced persecution and harassment from the apartheid state, were served with banning orders, and were ultimately charged in the Treason Trial, which lasted for a number of years. In the aftermath of the Sharpeville Massacre, it was Nelson Mandela who spearheaded a change of strategies and tactics in our struggle and led the ANC to fi nally adopt the armed struggle. He was again at the forefront of the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe the People’s Army, and became its fi rst Commander in Chief.

During the 1962 Mandela Trial and the Rivonia Trial, he again led by example from the dock, delivering one of the most poignant statements about our liberation struggle, explaining ANC policies and their genesis.

Incarcerated for over 27 years fi rst in Robben Island prison then in Pollsmoor and Victor Verster Prison, he became a symbol of resistance, hope and the determination of a people to be free. His incarceration, instead of silencing the majority and cowering them into submission, helped to advance the struggle. He became a symbol of hope and inspiration to many. His name and standing helped us in the mobilisation of the international community against the system of apartheid.

When he came out of prison, he led our movement and our people towards the fi rst democratic elections, which the ANC won convincingly. Madiba was also at the forefront of creating peace in the country. He helped the process of transition from apartheid to democracy to be a peaceful and stable one. His emphasis on reconciliation and nation-building during his only term in offi ce, helped the country deal with its painful past.

But more than all this, Madiba represents what is good and honourable about our struggle, our democracy, our country, our movement and its policies. He represents compassion and empathy with the poor and the downtrodden. He is regarded by millions of our country and the globe as their hero, a national and international icon who brought about democracy and freedom to the oppressed masses of our country.

We reiterate therefore that we must celebrate the real Madiba, the freedom fi ghter and a loyal and disciplined member of the African National Congress.

We must use Mandela Day correctly as the ANC. President Mandela is political. Let our messages be political and provide leadership to the country. Mandela Day must be used to make every ANC member proud of being in the ANC. It must make people want to join this wonderful organisation that Madiba belongs to.

Comrades,We took a conscious decision to hold the lekgotla in July in order to guide the government lekgotla and the processes of medium term budgeting within government. We will have an opportunity to review progress made in implementing the programme of action we outlined

in the January 8 statement. We will be receiving reports of progress in the fi ve priorities and other areas such as local government and infrastructure development. We have achieved a lot in the past 17 years. We outlined the impressive achievements of this government in our local government manifesto. We just need to communicate these achievements more, and not be drowned by those who claim this government has not achieved anything.

Our focus going forward must be to improve our performance monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, in both government and the ANC. We would not keep discovering toilets and other embarrassments around the country if we had good monitoring mechanisms. We can correct problems timeously.

We must assess the performance of our government ourselves, and make recommendations. The best monitoring is done on site, on the ground and not through receiving reports from departments only.You recall that we declared economic transformation and job creation a national priority in the January 8 statement and the state of the nation address. We expect the lekgotla to provide a progress report on how far we have gone in the past six months, in implementing this directive.

Comrades,Let me emphasise that the purpose of our meeting is to discuss governance and provide guidance going forward to government with regards to implementing ANC priorities. In the last NWC we took a deliberate decision to focus mainly on governance in this lekgotla. We further agreed that for political discussions on key issues that we need to discuss desperately, we must arrange a special NEC before the next regular meeting of the NEC.

This will include discussions of the ANC Youth League congress report, the report from the COSATU central committee meeting and other burning issues within the movement that comrades feel cannot and should not be left unattended to.

That special NEC will also provide an opportunity to also discuss and debate aspects of foreign policy that comrades may feel need a thorough discussion. On international relations, we celebrate with the people of South-Sudan who have just formed a new African state. This took place after a lengthy process where South Africa was integrally involved. The new country will need our support as it builds institutions of governance.

We congratulate our former President, Comrade Thabo Mbeki for his contribution to the resolution of the Sudanese challenge. We will need to monitor the situation closely as there are some outstanding issues including the issue of Abyei, which Comrade Mbeki is also focusing on, bringing the parties together towards a solution. In Libya we continue to work hard towards a lasting solution. We have come out openly about the abuse of Resolution 1973, and have engaged with the Libyan parties to the confl ict. South Africa together with the AU will continue working for an immediate ceasefi re and an end to NATO’s continued airstrikes and bombardments, so that a Libyan and African-led political process can begin in earnest.

The recent developments in Libya and other African countries instruct us that the ANC’s International Relations Sub Committee

3

The National Executive Committee, . must strengthen its work so that we stay ahead with regards to developments. Comrades, this year marks the 90th anniversary of the South African Communist Party.

The party has always played a pivotal role in the life and history of the liberation struggle and the democratic movement. The anniversary is therefore a key celebration in the calendar of the progressive movement and the ANC-led Alliance.

It is important for us to always remember that it is the ANC in the main that knows best what role the SACP has played in the liberation struggle of our country, and the deep relationship between the two organisations. The relations became even stronger after the banning of the party.

The anniversary provides an opportunity for us to explain this wonderful history, and celebrate the ANC-led Alliance and its role in the transformation of our country, and in providing leadership to South African society in general.

We congratulate the party on this milestone, and look forward to the celebrations in Durban at the end of this month.

Comrades,We were saddened and shocked at the murder of the Ethekwini regional secretary Sbu Sibiya. We extend condolences to his family and to the KZN province on this tragic loss.

Comrades,We look forward to a good lekgotla. We expect reports to be focused and provide progress on job creation and all priority areas, and not dwell on plans without action.

We need to be ready to provide leadership as the NEC on all the key priorities that the ANC government must deliver on.

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NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

■ INTRODUCTION1.1 The January 2011 Lekgotla resolved that, henceforth,

future Makgotla would be held in July every year so that the outcomes thereof can infl uence the Cabinet Lekgotla and the budget process. The focus should always be on the priority areas as contained in the election manifesto.

1.2 The fi ve priorities in the 2009 election manifesto constitute our governance programme for the fi ve-year term 2009 to 2014. However, this does not mean other things would be neglected.

1.3 In the January Lekgotla the NEC recognised fair progress being made in four areas of priority except in employment creation, which is an area that took a big knock during the global fi nancial crisis. Consequently, more than 1 million jobs were lost when South Africa drifted into recession. This reality informed the decision that there should be a concerted effort to create more jobs.

1.4 The January Lekgotla further agreed to adopt the New Growth Path as the policy framework for our economic growth and development. Since then the cabinet has adopted the New Growth Path. In the State of The Nation Address the President elevated employment creation to the centre of all the government programmes.

■ FRAMEWORK FOR THE JULY 2011 LEKGOTLAThis Lekgotla should receive reports on progress made thus far; highlight challenges encountered in the course of implementation; and outline the plans on what will be done moving forward. The NEC lekgotla should use these reports to identify areas that need acceleration and choose the priorities in the immediate term.

2.1. Employment Creation

a. All the reports should highlight the efforts made in creating more jobs in the economy.

b. The report on the New Growth Path should give details on the progress made in implementing the programme. On the ten job drivers it should give the NEC a sense of the sectors that are buying into the programme,

and highlight areas where there is resistance. The Lekgotla should propose concrete steps to unblock the bottlenecks.

c. Infrastructure development and maintenance were also identifi ed as one of the key job drivers. Cabinet then emphasised that the coordination and aggression evidenced during the soccer world cup infrastructure rollout must inform our overall approach. The January Lekgotla insisted that there must be movement beyond broad pronouncements and we should start breaking down every programme into specifi c projects. The following areas were specifi cally identifi ed as requiring focus:

• Transport

• Energy

• Water

• Telecommunication

• Municipal infrastructure

We expect that reports to this Lekgotla will provide this breakdown.

d. State Owned Enterprises and Development Finance Institutions were identifi ed as the critical part of infrastructure rollout. This would be in the form of practical projects, fi nancing and skills development.

e. It is also important to receive a report on the granting of a proper banking licence to the PosBank, which would enable the establishment of a big public footprint in this important sector.

2.2. Education

a. The ANC must never lose sight of the main objective, that is, giving access to and continuously improving the quality of education of the South African child, the African child in particular and the Black child in general. This primary objective makes it important for the NEC to receive the following analysis:

• The breakdown of the Matric results from the previous year so that progress made or lack thereof,

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LEKGOTLA

FRAMEWORKby ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

in the township and rural schools, can be quantifi ed. The NEC must appreciate the extent to which improvement in the 2010 matric results was mainly driven by the former model C schools. Pockets of excellence in the previously disadvantaged areas should be quantifi ed.

• The results of the Annual National Assessment will also give the NEC a sense of the gravity of the problems in the quality of our education, as measured in terms of literacy and numeracy.

• The problem of learners who have completed 12 years of learning but are ill-prepared for absorption into the labour market and/or those who battle when proceeding to higher education.

• The fact that our education budget is much higher than economies of the same development status as ours but, comparatively speaking, we continue to fare badly in the international literacy and numeracy level.

• The problems associated with poor career guidance, infrastructure challenges facing previously disadvantaged areas, slow and poor distribution of material and the massive improvements in teacher qualifi cations not refl ected in the overall performance.

• A sense of the strategic direction of the Department of Basic Education and the complex problems encountered.

b. From Higher Education we expect a broad strategic plan, with a concrete link between what Basic Education and Higher Education are trying to achieve. The plan must address the skills needs and the skills shortage in the economy. The following specifi c issues that came out of the January Lekgotla must be reported on:

• The unbundling of MEDUNSA from the University of Limpopo

• Building a medical school in Limpopo

• Building new universities in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape

• Reopening and revitalisation of nursing, teacher and agricultural colleges

• Progress made in the revitalisation of FET colleges

• The restructuring and streamlining of the SETAS and progress or lack thereof in skills development

2.3. Health

a. The Ministry of Health has been engaging various sectors of society about its intended programmes. The Lekgotla must be appraised about the programme, which should primarily be directed at improving the

quality of health services for the poor.

b. The report should cover all the issues raised and decided upon by the January Lekgotla, among them being:

• Progress or lack thereof towards the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme

• Implementation of the programme on fi ghting HIV and AIDS, covering all aspects involved

• Addressing the all aspects of skilling in the sector, specifi cally, shortage and mismatch in deployment

• Improvement of the quality of health services provided to society in general and the poor in particular

2.4. Rural Development and Land Reform

a. Rural Development and Land Reform is an important area of intervention for this government. The report must

• Refocus the ANC and consolidate the various areas of emphasis that include, infrastructure development in the rural areas, increasing production capacity and creating viable economic nodes in the rural areas.

• Detail progress or lack thereof in the proposed four land tenure systems endorsed by the January Lekgotla

• Appraise Lekgotla on the National Land Evaluation Commission as endorsed in January

b. A number of pilot projects were reported on and the question is whether we are not at the stage where some of the reports can be generalised and implemented, as the way of doing business. The NARYSEC programme will give the NEC insight into what is involved in developing sustainable programmes for rural development.

2.5. Crime and Corruption

a. One issue that consistently cropped up in the elections research, even among our staunchest supporters, is that the ANC is soft on corruption and looks after their own. Corruption of the ANC is a common theme among all who want attack us, be they in the democratic movement or those who are our serious enemies. In the public discourse, as a movement, we are seen to have failed in being bold on the matter. The many high profi le cases and allegations against our comrades are not helpful. We can be dismissive of them but the damage on the ANC image is huge. This requires a system for processing such allegations that will send a message of an ANC that is intolerant of corruption.

6

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

b. Our peace and stability sub-committee is still to come up with a comprehensive and coherent strategy for fi ghting corruption. The government has been making many positive noises, forming structures to deal with corruption.

c. The report on fi ghting crime is clearer and results are evident. The last report on crime statistics instilled confi dence that progress is being made. The report to the Lekgotla gives more detail.

d. The commission should develop a comprehensive proposal on the bold steps on fi ghting corruption.

■ LOCAL GOVERNMENT

a. We had the most challenging local government elections since 1994. We are agreed that, in addition to the fi ve priorities, there must be specifi c focus on local government. Focus should be on making local government more effi cient and effective. We should be aware that the catch phrase of service delivery will continue to be the rallying point against the ANC for a considerable time into the future.

b. Funding for smaller municipalities needs fi rm decision on the part of the ANC. The assumption that municipalities can raise 95% of their revenue is only applicable to a very limited number of municipalities. Many small and rural municipalities have no revenue base and no capacity to manage even the limited resource given to them. The budget system needs to be reviewed to deal with this reality.

c. The role of district municipalities needs to be clarifi ed. The status quo is not optimal and needs to be reviewed. The question that must be confronted is whether it is workable for District Municipalities to be expected to provide services to some local municipalities that have more resources than them. There is a growing view that the ANC must be bold in making policy that district municipalities should house shared services and provide high level skills to municipalities that will never afford some of the skills.

d. Demarcation and the demarcation board have been highlighted as areas of serious concern. As a governing party our views cannot be relegated into a complaint. This Lekgotla provides an opportunity for the ANC to develop a workable approach. There will be instances, from time-to-time, when there will be need for demarcation of one kind or the other. We must address the tardiness on our part in dealing with some of these technical issues, which causes us to end up being victims of processes that we are in charge of.

e. The national ministries must directly intervene in many

7

municipalities. In such instances our ministers must be bold in talking as ANC ministers so that their work is not separated from work of the ANC government, in other spheres of governance. This proposition is even more important where the ANC is in the opposition benches.

■ PUBLIC SERVICEa. Public service is critical for government to deliver

effectively and effi ciently. The Lekgotla must receive a detailed report on a number of areas:

• Progress and/or lack thereof in creating a single public service

• Progress and/or lack thereof in establishing a fully-fl edged public service academy

• Status in the fi lling of vacancies in the public sector

• Status in the absorption of young graduates and school leavers into the public sector

• How widespread are internship programmes in the public sector?

b. The commission must debate the undesirable length of time taken to settle labour relation disputes in the public sector.

■ CONCLUSIONa. All reports will be tabled in the plenary so that all

NEC members can have sense of how are we doing with the implementation.

b. The report on the 12 outcomes accepted by the Cabinet will give an indication into monitoring in government. In future the ANC will have its own monitoring and evaluation report, as we are busy setting up the unit.

c. The Diagnostic Report of the National Planning Commission is tabled to allow us a glimpse into the thought process, so as to enable appropriate reading and adequate analysis. The report will also help the NEC appreciate the reality facing the country and the movement.

d. The Lekgotla must emerge with concrete proposals moving forward. Where proposals are comprehensive the budget process will be simple and straightforward.

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

1. LOCAL GOVERNMENT

8

Reports from Commissions

1.1. OUTLINEThis report takes note of the Polokwane resolutions, the NGC Outcomes and the Local Government Summit

1.1.1. Political issues affecting local government

1.1.2. Areas for Immediate Action & Intervention

1.1.3. 2012 Policy Issues facing local government

The above issues were discussed against the backdrop of the critical questions posed in the presentation.

1.2. POLITICAL ISSUES AFFECTING LOCAL GOVERNMENTHow do we ensure a fi ne political balance between strategic political guidance to a municipality versus perceived / real micro-management?

Noting:

1. The priority of the ANC must to ensure the NEC subcommittee on L&G is effective.

2. The ANC must prioritise local government and take it more seriously. The ability to implement the ANC resolutions is inadequate.

3. We currently dealing with implications of the ANC practices of the past ten years.

Resolve that:

1. Need proper and effective participation of NEC members in L&G and ability to implement the decisions:

• Deployment of NEC members whose government portfolios is closely related to L&G, Human Settlements, Infrastructure portfolios is critical for participation in the L&G & the LG Forum.

• Re-assert the importance of L&G structures across all levels of the organisation.

• Cadres devoting time to L&G is important.

2. ANC must establish a local government forum across levels of the organisation; must include members of the alliance.

3. Policy framework on how ANC structures REC/BEC relates to the municipalities.

4. The need review how we deploy, strengthen technical capacity within the ANC to monitor the work of these deployments.

1.3. POLITICAL ISSUES AFFECTING LOCAL GOVERNMENTResolve that:

1. ANC must have an institutional capability to ensure political monitoring of local government and community issues & activities – to ensure timely interventions, e.g. Political teams to intervene across the country.

2. ANC must urgently implement a dedicated LG support programme (at a provincial and municipal level) in all areas where the ANC is in opposition, esp. the Western Cape.

3. ANC must develop its own vigilant organisational mechanisms & criteria to ensure its structures respond effectively to the demarcation process.

4. Demarcation processes must be informed by developmental patterns with the objective of deracializing and integrating communities, in their operations.

5. The issue of councillors support, welfare and safety is crucial. The government must give the matter urgent attention.

6. ANC must develop urgent political guidelines regarding the implementation the latest Municipal Systems Amendment Act.

1.4. AREAS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION & INTERVENTION

1. Fiscal and funding issues

2. Provision of Universal Services

3. Demarcation

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

8 9

4. Institutional support and capacity

5. Connecting with communities

6. Deepening clean, transparent & accountable governance and administration

1.4.1. Fiscal & Funding Actions

Resolve that:

1. Government must undertake a fi scal review with a bias towards increasing the share of nationally raised revenue to local government:

◦ The need to revisit the formula for local government funding. The key areas of review should include the equitable share, MIG & other conditional grants.

◦ The revenue collection mechanism must be strengthened.

◦ The spending capacity of municipalities must be strengthened.

◦ The vigorous implementation of municipal credit policy.

2. Government must take immediate steps to provide fi scal support to municipalities with limited revenue raising capacity.

3. Government must fi nd immediate solutions to address the infrastructure maintenance challenges of local government. The need for an audit of the current maintenance backlog and create a special mechanism and other instruments to deal with maintenance backlog. (the national fi scus must not be let off the hook).

4. The municipalities must budget a minimum 5% of their budgets for infrastructure maintenance.

5. Government departments & SOEs must within 6 months pay outstanding monies owed to municipalities.

6. National/provincial government must establish an integrated support mechanism for municipalities to ensure to effective spending for the accelerated delivery of services.

7. Government must expedite the process of reviewing unviable municipalities with the MDB & must develop sustainable proposals.

1.4.2. Provision of Universal Basic Services Actions

Resolve that:

1. Government must review the quantity, quality and range of basic services given to the poor (i.e. norms and standards):

◦ The main focus should be on water, sanitation, electricity, refuse removal, housing.

◦ Disparities in basic electricity services in the same municipality should be eliminated.

2. Government must prioritise geographic areas identifi ed as most in need of basic services.

3. Government must establish an inter-departmental Service Delivery Unit to tackle service hotspots and service delivery issues across the country.

4. The ANC L& G must establish & resource its own political rapid response and intervention team to unblock service delivery.

5. The districts must be refocused as the centre of planning excellence. The districts must be fi nancially resourced to perform the function.

1.4.3. Demarcation Actions

Resolve that:

1. The ANC must improve and strengthen its capability and establish a mechanism to interact and infl uence demarcation processes timeously in a coordinated manner across the country.

2. Government must review the demarcation process and the role functions and scope of the Municipal Demarcation Board. Possible options to be explored include, among others:

◦ The composition of the Board and the criteria it uses to decide on ward and municipal boundaries be reviewed, with a much more enhanced role for community participation.

◦ The Board makes recommendations on municipal and ward boundaries, but the fi nal decisions are made by government and/or parliament, as happens in many democracies. If the government and/or parliament differs with the Board’s decisions, the reasons must be put in writing.

◦ As the major part of the Board’s work has been completed, the changes that are necessary can be done by the IEC in future.

1.4.4. Institutional Support and Capacity

Resolve that:

1. The planning and alignment of plans between all spheres of government must be strengthened, i.e. strengthen legislation on IDP to enforce national / provincial participation

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

10 11

2. The planning commission must set the over-aching national framework for the country. At the local level the IDP must inform the planning. The national plans must also informed by local and provincial plans.

3. Government (e.g. COGTA) must further urgently implement an integrated capacity building framework and system for supporting local government

4. Government must strengthen and resource organise local government to act as the primary proactive structure to execute its mandate and address local government capacity challenges

5. The district council role must be strengthened to coordinate IDP within their municipal area.

1.4.5. Re-connecting with Communities

Resolve that:

1. ANC must strengthen its existing instruments and mechanisms for interacting and connecting with communities

2. Government must strengthen and resource the public participation units in all three spheres to increase their support for ward committees

3. Ward committees and ward councillors must be urgently capacitated and be given additional resources by the national fi scus

4. Need to optimise the current PCOs to accommodate ward councillors to execute their responsibilities

5. Government must develop a model for constituency infrastructure for ward councilors. Municipalities must establish dedicated constituency offi ces for ward councillors.

6. Government must develop a comprehensive civic education programme championing citizen rights and responsibilities.

7. Restoration of the image of local government must receive urgent attention. Target commitment to clean, transparent and accountable government.

1.4.6. Deepening clean, transparent & accountable governance and administration

Resolve that:

1. The ANC’s commitment to clean, transparent and responsive government must be strengthened through dedicated campaigns.

2. Government must review and strengthen the existing

municipal regulatory framework for supply chain management

3. The oversight mechanisms of local government must be strengthened to ensure the attainment of the ANC objectives of clean, transparent and responsive government.

4. The ANC manifesto must drive the programmes of all municipalities.

1.5. 2012 Policy Issues facing local government

2. White Paper on Cooperative Governance

3. Review of the White Paper on Developmental Local Government

4. Inter-governmental Fiscal Relation framework

5. Separation of powers within local government

6. Policy review on provincial and local government

7. Single Elections

8. Powers and Functions across the three spheres

9. Funding model for district municipalities

10. Two tier system of local government

11. Alignment of planning cycle across the spheres

12. The CDW roles, functions and management must be reviewed urgently by the ANC.

Comments noted at plenary:

(i). Local government is developmental-emphasising the need to develop communities,including through LED. Communities should be encouraged to be self reliant.

(ii). DPW should assist municipalities to build government offi ces.

(iii). Municipalities must be assisted with technology to prevent tempering with electricity and water connections.

(iv). Regular meter reading will encourage job creation.

(v). Waste management should involve cooperation of municipalities, the department of Water and Environment Affairs and communities. CoGTA’s clean Cities programme needs to encourage communities to be more responsible.

(vi). Revive the Masakhane campaign and encourage community involvement in local government.

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

11

(vii). The telecoms industry as a revenue enhancement mechanism for municipalities, through the sites leasing.

(viii). Municipalities must prioritise in-house capacity building and not outsourcing.

(ix). The use of graduates in municipalities through internship programmes and job creation for graduates must be prioritised.

2. PEACE AND STABILITY

2.1. CORRECTIONAL SERVICESNoting that:

Overcrowding of prisons is the most signifi cant challenge facing the Corrections Sector

Believing that:

• The problem of overcrowded Prisons cannot be resolved simply by building more prisons.

• We must address the root causes including the effi ciency of the criminal justice system & we need a long term strategic perspective.

• Need a greater focus on social & economic issues that lead to criminality.

• Awaiting trial detainees who account for 30-40% of the prison population contributes signifi cantly to this overcrowding.

• The challenges of problem of parole needs to be urgently addressed & electronic tagging can be utilised but only for certain types of prisoners. This is complicated by the fact that there are approx 10 million people who addresses are untraceable.

Resolve that:

1. Peace and Stability must integrate & work more closely with social & economic sub committees in addressing social & economic factors contributing to crime.

2. Priority must be given to cleaning up our National Population Register.

3. We nevertheless will accelerate the building of correctional facilities.

2.2. DEFENCENoting that:

The return of the SANDF to the land border & the successes achieved thus far & that the issue of border safety is a crucial challenge in ensuring peace & stability

We should address the challenges involved in the Defence Force, its role in a developmental state and the effective utilisation of collateral capabilities.

The Defence Force successes in the peace support operations on the continent in Burundi, DRC, Sudan, & CRA

Believing that:

- We have challenges in addressing Illegal migration through maritime & air borders

- We can’t deal with migration only as SA & what happens in SADC countries impacts on our ability to manage illegal immigration

- We need to ensure better coordination within the security sector to enable the state to protect itself

- There is a need to ensure the role of the Defence Force in a developmental state is properly defi ned.

- The Defence force can be used for training as is the case on the National Youth Service Programme & the Military Skills Development System

Further believing that:

� We need to address transformation of middle management level in the SANDF

� There are opportunities linked to our role in post confl ict reconstruction that could be further maximized.

Resolve that:

1. We should strengthen our maritime and air borders to protect against illegal immigration

2. The ANC should manage the political discourse regarding a SADC approach to managing immigration in the region (particularly regarding perceptions of Xenophobia)

3. The Peace & Stability sub committee will lead the development of policy on the broad role of Defence in a democratic developmental state

4. Government be urged to prioritise the adequate resourcing of the Defence Force in order to maximise the utilisation of its collateral capabilities in service delivery

5. There should be better collaboration with the economic

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subcommittee regarding opportunities created through our role in post confl ict reconstruction & development on the continent.

6. To further improve the conditions of service within the Defence Force.

2.3. MILITARY VETERANSNoting that:

• A Peace & Security sub com has been established in MKVA.

• We will need to align & ensure effective benefi ts are provide to military veterans.

• The issue of exhumations & repatriation of remains requires further attention.

• The 50th Anniversary celebrations of MKVA will take place in December 2011.

Believing that:

� Once the new Act comes into operation the database on military veterans will be even more crucial to ensure veterans are able to access benefi ts.

� Military Veterans have an important role to play in enhancing peace & stability both within the country & on the continent.

� There is a need for a policy review regarding the exhumation & repatriation of those who died in exile.

� There are still problems being experienced regarding special pensions and NSF.

Resolve that:

1. We must fast track the establishment of comprehensive and accurate database of military veterans.

2. The NEC must undertake a policy review regarding exhumations & and repatriation of those who died in exile.

3. To expedite the implementation of the resolution to utilise military veterans across all component departments of the JCPS cluster.

4. The challenges around special pensions needs to be addressed. The Treasury Task Team on Special Pensions must be invited to present a report to the Peace & Stability sub committee.

5. The ANC (including the Centenary Committee) must play a central role in 50th Anniversary celebrations & resources required for celebrations need to be addressed.

2.4. HOME AFFAIRSNoting that:

• Two major challenges are issues of immigration and protecting the identity status of citizens and residents.

• SA is one of the countries globally with the highest populations of asylum seekers & this system is being abused.

Believing that:

� Home Affairs has a central role to play in ensuring the security of the country.

� The issue of dual citizenship has undesirable consequences, with regard to our national interests.

� Illegal immigrants impacts on; government’s effective planning processes, places pressure on social services, & on political stability in the country.

� Many illegal immigrants make use of gaps in our regulation of businesses to trade illegally.

� Some SADC countries are used as spring boards for illegal immigration into SA.

� Because of gaps and weaknesses regarding immigration the country seen as haven for criminals.

� Securing border areas alone won’t solve illegal immigration & we need to look at additional approaches.

Resolve that:

1. We need to look at harmonization of approaches and legislation within SADC.

2. We must address the fact that SA also has no law requiring people to register all businesses.

3. The ANC must support the pilot project to address challenges associated with border communities.

4. We need review our approach to dual citizenship

5. We need to expedite our holistic review of immigration policy.

6. We must support the plans for the relocation of refugee centres.

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2.5. JUSTICE & CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTNoting that:

• While there has been progress in the transformation of Judiciary and the legal system, much is still to be done in this regard

• Issue of TRC & the development of a database for benefi ciaries is necessary.

Believing that:

� We need to accelerate the transformation of the judiciary in line with the requirements of the Constitution.

� The ADRM is interpreted by some as being soft on crime.

Resolve that:

1. Membership of the JSC should be broadened. The JSC should consider appointments from a broader pool when appointing Judges.

2. We should explore whether we can linked to our TRC database process on the process for military veterans.

3. We need to look at how we communicate our Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism approach.

4. The issue of extradition of individuals who face charges with a sentence that may result in capital punishment must be discussed by the policy conference.

2.6. POLICENoting that:

• A white paper review is underway and this will inform the review of the SAPS Act.

• Social crime prevention is being addressed within the review of White Paper.

• Policy has been developed for both CSF & the single police.

• South Africa has one of the highest levels of killing of police offi cers.

• Private security legislation is being reviewed.

And believing that:

� That social crime prevention is about broader issues of safety and building sustainable communities.

� We need to deal with the issue of killing of police in the context of dealing with the unlawful behavior of the police.

� The killing of police offi cers can be linked to lawlessness & lack of respect for authority and we need harsher penalties in this regard.

� We have had success in some forms of contact crime and street crime but we still need to focus on crimes that occur in homes.

Resolve that:

1. The draft policy on a single police service introduced to the Peace & Stability sub-committee of the NEC and must be expedited.

2. The White Paper should be discussed by the Peace & Stability sub- committee of the NEC.

3. Police killings needs to be addressed and this must be address in conjunction with how police behave towards communities rooting out bad police behavior.

4. We need to fi nd ways of reducing government dept’s dependency on Private Security.

2.7. CORRUPTION (CROSS CUTTING ISSUE)Noting that:

• There is a proliferation of agencies and institutions dealing with corruption.

• There is working being but that there is need for greater communication.

And Believing that:

• We need to look at communication around corruption

• The proliferation of agencies & institutions dealing with corruption don’t always have the capacity to address this and these different institutions create confusion.

• The ANC needs to be seen as the championing the fi ght against corruption.

Resolve that:

1. We need to develop a clear communication approach to this issue GCIS must take responsibility for this. We need to balance communication needs against not jeopardising investigations.

2. The ANC must lead in the fi ght against corruption and must at all time be prompt in communicating the Movements stance on this issue.

3. We need to streamline structures dealing with corruption.

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4. The Ethics committee must submit a report to the next meeting of the NEC.

2.8. BUILDING A STRONG SECURITY SECTOR (CROSS CUTTING)Noting that:

• A Key challenge is security vetting within cluster.

• There are a signifi cant number of people in the country who cannot be traced, especially regarding illegal immigrants.

• We have invested signifi cantly in ICT within the cluster.

• Border management is important is addressing security.

• There is a need for better coordination within the security sector to enable us to have the ability for the state to be adequately protected.

• The ANC notes the seriousness of copper theft and other forms of economic crimes.

And Believing that:

� Current identity systems are open to corruption.

� The ICT investment is not yielding suffi cient results.

� Security issues are often contested along the lines of individual departments.

� The cluster system needs to be strengthen by a clear security sector policy.

Resolve that:

1. We accelerate the integration of ICT systems within the JCPS cluster.

2. We should fast track the establishment of the Border Management Agency.

3. We need to address the streamlining and turnaround time of the vetting process.

4. Justice should introduce legislation that deals with crimes that amount to economic sabotage.

2.9. ROLE OF THE ANC IN BUILDING PEACE & STABILITY.

Noting that:

• NGOs and other interest groups are increasingly seeking to set the agenda on human rights, the protection of the Constitution and Peace & Stability matters.

And believing that:

� The ANC needs to contest the space currently utilised by NGOs and these groups.

Resolve that:

1. The ANC needs to establish a fulltime policy capacity that can be inform developments in departments & is able to communicate ANC approach, positions and policy.

2. The Peace & Stability Committee convene a workshop to deal comprehensively with the work of the cluster.

3. HEALTH

Noting that:

1. Health remains one of the priority areas for the ANC and that the system of provincial and national reports being submitted to the National Offi ce has yielded better understanding of constraints , risk factors as well as an improved responsiveness to these by all involved to varied degrees;

2. The report and presentation by the Minister of Health detailed encouraging progress made through instituting interventions and plans in the implementation of the various resolutions on health as adopted at the 52nd National Conference , the January 2010 NEC Lekgotla as well as the 3rd National General Council;

3. There is a need fast track the interventions related to the Improvement of the Quality of Health Care Services especially in the public health facilities so as to deal with the continued concerns raised by the public as well as to prepare the public health system for the implementation of the National Health Insurance System;

4. Signifi cant progress has been made by the Inter-ministerial Committee involving Finance and Health, towards a government policy position on the introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI) System whose aim is to improve the effi ciency and reduce the inequalities within the Health Care System in South Africa;

5. The shortage of health professionals remains a global problem that is being tackled at an international multilateral and bilateral platforms and that the South African government has introduced strategies to train, recruit and retain more health professionals in order to both contribute towards job creation and towards greater access to quality health services;

6. Extensive work has been done towards reducing the burde of diseases whilst recognizing that South Africans still need to work together to promote healthy lifestyles

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and to reduce the quadruple burden of disease which has resulted in the reduction of life expectancy due to the HIV , AIDS and TB epidemics ; Maternal and Child Mortality; Non Communicable Diseases as well as Trauma and Violence ;

7. The recognition given by the people of South Africa and external institutions like the UNAIDS on the progress the country is making, led by the Presidency and the Health Ministry , in combating HIV , AIDS and TB is signifi cant.

Further Noting that

8. The World Health Organization has established a program on strengthening the Research and Innovation capacity in particular of countries with a high burden of diseases and that whilst additional investments are required , South Africa has some capacity, potential and various research institutions in the country to make signifi cant progress that can better the public health outcomes;

9. Given the high burden of disease and poverty in the country respectively , as well as the ANC’s identifi cation of Health and Poverty Eradication as key priorities, concerns were raised over the ability and capacity of a single MEC to provide the required attention to matters of both health and social development;

Therefore resolve that

3.1. QUARTERLY REPORTS BY PROVINCES• Provinces should continue to provide quarterly reports

to the National Offi ce on the implementation of key resolutions on health with a focus on the following areas:-

3.1.1 Appropriate appointment of HOD’s, CFOs, Hospital CEOs, District Health and Clinic Managers, with relevant competency and qualifi cations.

3.1.2 Financial expenditure pattern of provincial health departments.

3.1.3 The Infrastructure Delivery Improvement Program (IDIP) and Capital Projects (Under-spending will be not be allowed).

3.1.4 Increase employment of doctors, nurses, health technicians and other health professionals.

3.1.5 Integration and increase of Community Health Workers.

3.1.6 The re-introduction and increase of nurse training and reopening of nursing colleges.

3.1.7 Increased training of doctors & other technicians

(increase numbers thereof).

3.1.8 Monitoring of the availability of medicine, especially Antiretrovirals (ARV), anti-TB drugs and chronic medication.

3.1.9 Quarterly reports on mortality trends on stillbirth rate, infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate and avoidable deaths.

3.2. ON IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY OF SERVICES3.2.1. The Bill to establish the Offi ce of Standards

Compliance should be processes through Cabinet in July 2011 to parliament to enable the Health Ombudsperson , Accreditation of Facilities and Inspectorate for quality assessments to be effected.

3.2.2. Consultative meetings with stakeholders , especially labour and civil society, will be convened to secure support for implementation of this legislation , by August 2011.

3.3. ON INTODUCTION OFTHE NHI SYSTEM3.3.1 The draft white paper on NHI to be tabled in the July

Cabinet meeting should be released published for public comment through a launch of a mass based multimedia communication strategy.

3.3.2 The department of Health to liaise with Department of Communication on the creation of a dedicated public health TV channel.

3.3.3 Briefi ng notes be provided to the ANC and Alliance members on the NHI white paper in order to enable them to engage with the public.

3.3.4 The department of Health should complete the auditing of the outstanding public health facilities in all the districts by December 2011.

3.3.5 In phasing in the NHI, recognizing that the strengthening of the capacity of district authorities and health facility management has begun, the department should pilot the implementation of a mix of at least 10 districts based on the audit outcome by April 2012..

3.3.6 The departments of Health and Treasury must establish an NHI seed grant by December 2011 in order to facilitate the piloting of the NHI.

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3.4. ON HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH3.4.1 All provinces should process the allocation of Treasury

approved funding for the 1000 registrar (specialists) posts by December 2011 and also ensure that all essential funded posts are fi lled , including nursing posts.

3.4.2 Government should continue to strengthen the capacity of the various components of the health system to implement decisions including improvement of management capacity.

3.4.3 The NEC must welcome the de-merger of MEDUNSA from the Limpopo University and the decision to build a new medical school in Limpopo.

3.4.4 The capacity of current academic facilities to train health professionals including mid-level workers, must be expanded.

3.4.5 corrective maintenance of 72 Nursing Colleges, including the accommodation facilities of nurses , should be implemented by March 2012.

3.4.6 In implementing the Community Health Worker Program, the Minister of Health should facilitate a discussion with the Ministers of Social Development, COGTA, Rural Development and Land Reform and other departments, towards the development of a co-ordinated integrated national model of Community Workers in the social sector.

3.4.7 The National Strategy on Human Resources for Health should be published by the end of August 2011.

3.5. ON BUILDING A SOCIAL COMPACT AND MOBILISING SOCIETY FOR HEALTH3.5.1 Stakeholder meetings involving labour , civil society,

and MDM on POA including NHI should be convened by July /August 2011.

3.5.2 The new multi-sectoral National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS must be fi nalised for launched on the 1st December 2011.

3.5.3 A multi-sectoral integrated National Policy and Plan on the control of Non Communicable Diseases must be developed to include cardiovascular, metabolic, cancers, mental health etc, in order to promote disease prevention, promote healthy lifestyles and ensure access to early and effective treatment.

3.5..4 A multi-sectoral integrated National Policy and Plan on the prevention and control of trauma and violence

must be developed, including the area of reduction of road accidents.

3.6. PROVINCES SHOULD HOST WORKSHOPS AND SUPPORT BRANCHES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FOLLOWING CAMPAIGNS:-3.6.1 HIV and AIDS and Tuberculosis.

3.6..2 Reproductive health.

3.6.3 Healthy lifestyles.

3.6.4 National Health Insurance.

3.6.5 The ANC Women’s League and ANC Youth League should play a leading role in the campaigns due to their access to respective constituencies.

3.7. ON ESSENTIAL SERVICES3.7.1 A high level political decision must be taken at the level

of the Alliance on the issue of Essential Services.

3.8. ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT3.8.1 Government should build innovative and research

capacity that will enable the country to achieve the public health outcomes.

3.8.2 Initiatives to facilitate technology transfer for local production of pharmaceuticals and other health technologies must be prioritised.

3.8.3 Continuing support must be provided to innovative research undertaken by various research institutions and jointly with other strategic partners , particularly those that responds to local health priorities like the CAPRISA in combating HIV ; the TB nano technology in drugs development etc.

3.9. ON DE-COUPLING OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FROM HEALTH AT PROVINCES3.9..1 As the ANC has identifi cation of Health and Poverty

Eradication as key priority areas the NEC endorses the proposal that Provinces should appoint Members of Executive Councils to head the Department of Health separately from the Department of Social development.

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4. EDUCATION

4.1. MULTI-GRADE SCHOOLSNoting that:

A large number of children attend small, multi-grade schools. In 2009 approximately 26% of schools reported having multi-grade classes.

Believing that:

Multi-grade classes will not be eradicated in the short-term but have a negative impact on the quality of learning and teaching. The use of ICT will play a crucial role in promoting effective learning and teaching in the multi-grade classes.

Resolve that:

1. Targeted teacher and district training and support for multi-grade teachers must be put in place.

2. Increased targeted supply of resources such as textbooks and workbooks.

3. A national policy for rural multi- grade teaching must be developed.

4. Use of ICT as an enabler for multi-grade teaching must be prioritised.

4.2. RETENTION AND DROP OUT RATESNoting that:

Approx 670 000 children aged 7 to 18 were not attending any education institution in 2009 of which the majority were in the 16 to 18 age group; a higher percentage of males than female aged 16 to 18 were enrolled in education; teenage pregnancy had a negative impact on enrolment; and the secondary completion rate, which was 44% in 2009, has remained basically unchanged between 2002 and 2009. This refers to the completion of Grade 12 by 24 year olds.

Believing that:

Completion of Grade 12 and attainment of an National Senior Certifi cate qualifi cation is vital for the world of work.

Resolve that:

1. Focused programmes must be put in place to address drop-out rates at high school and the negative effects of teenage pregnancy, gangsterism and vulnerability.

2. Collaborate with DHET to expand the effectiveness of credible post-school education & training options available.

4.3. TEACHER RECRUITMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENTNoting that:

There continues to be a shortage of teachers in the Foundation phase, particularly Grade R and in key subjects (Mathematics, Science, Accounting and African Languages), teachers continue to need support in subject knowledge and many are teaching subjects they are not trained to teach.

The importance of improving classroom practice.

Believing that:

Teacher training, capacity and accurate deployment infl uence the quality of education.

Resolve that:

1. Teachers must be placed to teach what they are trained to teach.

2. Targeted, phased, subject content training by good trainers must be put in place in key subjects.

3. Capacity and coverage of district resource centres for teacher development must be expanded.

4. Collaborate with DHET to expand coverage and quality of initial teacher education. This should entail taking concrete steps for the establishment of teacher training colleges, especially for the training of ECD , Foundation Phase and Special Education Teachers.

5. Conduct an independent investigation of teacher deployment in order to present a deployment strategy for existing educators, especially teachers in excess and temporary ones.

4.3. TEACHER PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT TO IMPROVE SCHOOL FUNCTIONALITYNoting that:

• While some teachers are making an invaluable contribution to learner performance others are not performing at levels required for optimal effectiveness.

Believing that:

• Teacher effectiveness is one of the most critical factors that determine the level of education outcomes of learners in the schooling system.

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Resolve that:

1. The ANC and SADTU meet urgently to formulate concrete actions to improve the effectiveness and accountability of teachers.

2. Government and progressive teacher unions, followed by an engagement with all teacher union principals, should urgently formulate a clear three-year plan to ensure that (a) the teacher development framework is implemented; (b) teachers are held accountable for being in class on time, having prepared adequately and conducting lessons for the full duration required; and (c) the processes for the appointment and performance management of school principals is revised in order to improve the capacity and effectiveness of school principals to lead and manage schools.

4.4. ECD/GRADE RNoting that:

• There has been a signifi cant increase in the enrolment of learners in ECD – especially in Grade R.

Believing that:

• ECD contributes to accelerated development and that participation in ECD and Grade R is key to develop the basic skills for future successful learning and it is critical that South Africa meets the goal of universal access to Grade R by 2014.

Resolve that:

• A National Policy for Grade R must be fi nalised in order to make Grade R compulsory; qualifi ed teachers for Grade R must be trained and employed; Grade R classes must be adequately and appropriately resourced.

4.5. LITERACY AND NUMERACYNoting that:

• Both national and international assessments indicate that South African children struggle to master the Mathematics and language skills appropriate for their grade; and Grades 3-6 learners performed badly in the Annual National Assessment in 2011.

Believing that:

• A textbook for each learner in each subject is critical to strengthening the foundational skills in literacy and numeracy.

• A clear and comprehensive Literacy and numeracy strategy for South Africa should be fi nalised as a matter

of extreme urgency. The strategy must be monitored and supported.

Resolve that:

• A national system for textbook procurement and provision be fast-tracked to ensure that we progressively achieve the goal of a textbook for every learner for every subject in every grade.

Resolve that:

1. Increase access to reading material and opportunities for all teachers.

2. Embark on mobilisation of society to support a reading strategy. The National Department to develop a monitoring and support programme for the national literacy strategy.

3. Effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism, and support by the National Department, will assist provinces that have not developed the literacy strategy.

4.6. PRINCIPALS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAS AT SCHOOLSNoting that:

• Many schools throughout the system have poor learner achievement in terms of the ANA or the NSC grade 12 examinations.

• Most schools manifest symptoms of dysfunctionality.

Believing that:

• Good school leadership, management and supervision are key drivers in achieving quality learning and teaching.

Resolve that:

1. The training of principals to lead and manage schools and supervise teachers should be accelerated.

2. Performance contracts for principals and SMTs, must be put in place in order to strengthen accountability.

3. Appointment procedures for principals must be reviewed to ensure appropriate appointments mechanisms.

4. SGBs and communities should support school principals and school management teams.

5. Supervision of schools on-site to be strengthened.

6. Principals and school management teams to held accountable for school performance and improvement plans.

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4.7. DISTRICTSNoting that:

• Many education district offi ces across the country do not provide adequate support and monitoring to schools.

Believing that:

• This lack of capacity in terms of Human Resources and infrastructure facilities in many district offi ces is a major barrier to improved service delivery in support of schools.

Resolve that:

1. measures must be fast-tracked to ensure that all districts are empowered to improve learning outcomes through strengthening supervision of schools and principals;

2. all districts and their principals are held accountable for their performance through introducing in the performance agreements of District Directors clear deliverables linked to improving learning outcomes;

3. that interventions must be put in place to support 18 districts which have consistently performed below 60% in the Grade 12 exams;

4. that appropriate appointments at both management and advisory levels be made; and

5. Key delegations must be devolved, where appropriate skills and competencies exist, to ensure district effectiveness.

6. Provinces ensure that within the next 6 months districts are appropriately staffed and supported

4.8. PROVISION OF KEY EDUCATION INPUTSNoting that:

• Persistent backlogs in key education inputs such as infrastructure, textbooks and stationery severely compromise the effectiveness of schools.

• The utilization of Government’s fi nancial investment in these areas since 1994 has been extremely ineffi cient; compromising the rate and effectiveness with which we have managed to eradicate these backlogs.

Believing that:

• The impact of this problem is most severely felt in schools that cater for poor African learners.

• The nature and persistence of these challenges require that we now take urgent and extraordinary measures to make signifi cant progress in the short-term.

Resolve that:

1. To embark, for a period of three years ending in 2014, on a process that will create mechanisms for national planning and procurement for the provision of school infrastructure, textbooks and stationery.

2. The Department of Basic Education, Provincial Education Departments and the Treasury to collaborate in urgently developing mechanisms to make this possible.

4.9. INFRASTRUCTURENoting that:

Poor physical resources including infrastructure such as mud and unsafe structures, water and sanitation, and basic furniture continue to exist in many of our poor schools. There are major shortfalls in water and sanitation provision, basic furniture such as desks and chairs. Ineffi ciencies can result in poor planning and provision.

Believing that:

Poor physical resources constrain the improvement in learner achievement and quality teaching and learning and lack of facilities such as laboratories, libraries and sporting facilities impact on children’s learning and quality of life.

Resolve that:

1. the provision of basic services and facilities in schools be fast-tracked through the ASIDI programme in order that poor infrastructure and lack of basic services will be eradicated by 2014 and relook at how this programme is being implemented by different provinces;

2. All Provinces are instructed to urgently take steps to eradicate school infrastructure backlogs as a matter of priority;

3. Improve library service, science laboratories and promotion of access to reading material will contribute to the improved educational outcomes of learners;

3. Provision of sporting facilities will help address a number of social ills as young people will be kept busy in various sporting codes; and

4. Explore linking school infrastructure delivery with the EPWP and community participation in construction to enhance job creation outcomes.

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4.10. COMMUNITY MOBILISATION FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTNoting that:

• The overall performance of learners in the schooling system is completely unacceptable;

• While many schools are in need of additional educational inputs, this does not explain the extent of low performance of learners when comparing equivalent schools within South Africa and when comparing South African learner attainment to that of other comparable countries;

• An unacceptably large number of schools in the country are not at levels of optimal functionality.

• Parental and community involvement in schools are signifi cantly below levels considered satisfactory.

• Government has identifi ed education as an apex programme because of its importance to individual and national development and the country’s growth and development.

Believing that:

• The performance of learners in schools is directly linked to the functionality of schools;

• Community and parental involvement in schools has a signifi cant impact on improving school functionality.

Resolve that:

1. The Alliance embarks on an intensive six-month campaign (implemented with the vigour similar to an election campaign) to ensure that all Alliance structures at branch level to engage parents, communities, principals, teachers and offi cials in respect of each school in the country to actively focus on the improvement of school functionality and learner performance;

2. This campaign be implemented within the framework of the Quality Learning Teaching Campaign (which must be appropriately funded for this purpose by Government) and in line with the NEDLAC accord.

3. The ANC lead South Africans to support campaigns aimed at addressing the drop-out rate, promotion of the culture of reading and counting, to strengthen the monitoring and support of school.

4. To use the Annual National Assessments and National Senior Certifi cate results as a concrete basis on which to drive this campaign;

5. To strengthen mechanisms for institutional (schools, districts and head offi ce structures) monitoring, evaluation and support in order to improve functionality.

4.11. RESOLUTIONS REPORT ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAININGNoting that:

Education and training is central in improving the effectiveness and effi ciency of the production of the requisite skills that will ensure an effective response to the needs of the labour market and social equity, and ensuring inclusive benefi ciation in the economy

Believing that:

• There is a mismatch between the supply and demand of skills for specifi c educational categories in terms of the expanded unemployment rate of labour market participants.

• The South African labour market is also plagued by skills shortages that constrain the economy’s growth potential.

Resolving that:

• Extending the provision of free education to cover students in other years of study must be examined fully. A comprehensive proposal be developed for the policy conference.

• Covering the full cost of study for (poor) students in scarce skills areas, in all the years of study must be effected, but guarding against the downgrading of Social Science programme provision.

• Post graduate students must be supported through NSFAS in order to develop a new generation of academics, in addition to NRF initiatives.

• Intensify efforts to promote Research and Development in Higher Education institutions.

• Those who have completed their studies must pay back their loans so that other students can also be supported.

• Accommodation in the post school system be given attention as an area of urgent necessity, as only 18.5% of student population is accommodated in university residences.

• Government must ensure that all infrastructure programmes are linked to skills training and workplace experiential learning. Need to closely monitor the implementation of such skills plans throughout the duration of these projects.

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• The PSETA be strengthened and repositioned to play a more effective role in skills training for public service.

• All government departments must pay skills levies, as required by law.

• Intake of interns into the public service, municipalities and SOEs be expanded. The training space within the public service, as the largest single employer, needs to be fully utilised.

Resolving: The ANC and the Alliance

• Direct the national purse to refl ect that education is a priority.

• Mobilise communities to play a meaningful role in supporting the strengthening of FET Colleges and to change the perceptions of communities about FET colleges.

• Advocate for the centrality of Vocational Education and Training in tackling youth unemployment in order to achieve our overall economic growth and development objectives.

• To intensify the campaign against corruption in all HET institutions and regulation of confl ict of interests in the system.

• Mobilise for culture of learning in HET in order to increase the throughput rate.

5. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND THE ROLE OF SOE’s and DIFsSCOPE OF WORKThe Commission adopted a two-pronged approach:

1. Infrastructure rollout.

2. Role of SOEs and DFIs.

The Chairperson emphasized the importance of infrastructure rollout and maintenance as a key engine of job creation and economic growth.

Key policy issues were identifi ed and proposals made on how to address them through concrete actions.

Four critical areas of infrastructure rollout were identifi ed:

1. Water

2. Energy

3. Transport

4. ICT

5.1. WATERPolicy Issues

• Water scarcity and skewed allocations require a review of allocation policy to ensure centralised allocation.

• While government has reached 97% water provision, many rural communities have only reached 48% water provision.

Current water allocation:

Agriculture 62%

Industry 3.5%

Mining 2.5%

Domestic use 27%, (of which urban 23% and rural 4%)

Power 2%

Forestry 3%

• Current formula will not help address imbalances of the past: a policy shift recommended, considering:

- Allocation through licence review.

- Reallocation of unutilized capacity in agriculture and other sectors.

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

22

- All water needs to be aligned with the New Growth Path.

- Water reticulation to house-holds in rural communities.

- Augmenting through other new sources of water and reconciliation strategies.

Resolutions on Water

• Develop and implement a national led and coordinated water and sanitation infrastructure plan.

• Provincial government must play a stronger coordination role.

• Strengthen alignment between the programs of water and sanitation.

• Refurbish and maintain all water and sanitation infrastructure at municipalities.

• Integrate and expand infrastructure into rural areas.

5.2. ENERGYPolicy Issues

• The Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) must be fi nalised within 3 months to unlock job creation and additional energy provision.

• Unblock regulatory obstacles to bring in Independent Power Producers (IPP) within 3 months.

• Expedite co-generation.

• Ensure nuclear build programme generates domestic production.

Resolutions on Energy

• Fund the Distribution Infrastructure so that we enhance reliability of the system.

• Strengthen integration on program and project implementation of water and energy.

• Implement and develop partnerships in co-generation of energy production.

• Additional funding for the Integrated National Electrifi cation Programme.

• Elevation of cable theft as a high priority crime.

• Provide additional funding for expansion of Solar Water Heaters.

• Accelerate the building of new capacity.

• Rollout the Energy Effi ciency programme.

• Continue to monitor the current volatility of the Oil price caused by political instability and its impact on the economy.

5.3. TRANSPORTKey Policy Issues

Finalise policy on user pay principles within 3 months.

Major rail investment programme required: Underinvestment for over 40 years in rail, has resulted in overuse of roads.

Resolutions on Transport

• Develop and implement a 10 year plan, covering road and rail infrastructure with funding options.

• Prioritise underdeveloped areas suffering from historical underinvestment, e.g North West, Limpopo etc.

• Finalise policy of coinvestment of private sector in infrastructure, allowing for crowding in of private sector funding and recapitalisation of infrastructure SOEs.

• Localise major transport infrastructure investment, including acquisition of new rolling stock for PRASA.

5.4. ICTPolicy Issues

• ANC must mandate a decision on the rationalisation of SOEs operating in the same sector (e.g. Infraco and Sentech).

• Upscale rollout of Broadband Infrastructure ensuring provision to Education, Health and government services.

Resolutions on ICT

• Grow electronics manufacturing sector through digital migration such a set top boxes.

• Mainstream ICTs in critical areas (Health and Education).

• Develop focused approach to ICT skills development.

5.5. INFRASTRUCTURE COORDINATIONThe ANC must ensure more effective coordination of strategic infrastructure programmes.

• ETC must review progress by SOEs on infrastructure and implementation of key policy decisions.

• Committee of Ministers covering infrastructure and economic portfolios be convened by the ANC to

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

22 23

– Pension funds borrowing should take into cognisance the current levels of government exposure in those funds.

– As an interim measure, steps must be taken to centralise implementation of a number of projects that are currently devolved but where institutional capacity is weak.

– Strengthen participation and inputs into IDP by National, Provincial spheres as legal obligation but within the context of national plans.

– Government must set up a Committee to identify blockages and unblock delays to projects delivery

– Ensure effi ciency in government spending and curbing corruption.

5.6. INCREASE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT• Infrastructure build and maintenance programme must

have a developmental impact through the scale of infrastructure investment, as well as the design and location.

• All infrastructure projects must have an economic development plan to:

– Address the needs of the poorest provinces.

– Maximize the direct and indirect job creation of infrastructure projects, through the design and selection of projects and local procurement policies.

– Advance government’s skills development agenda, with annual skills targets and spending on training for SOE.

– Support the industrialisation plan of government through the supplier development programmes, tender specifi cations and localization programme.

– Green the economy.

– Support benefi ciation, increased R&D and empowerment of local communities.

– Ensure that an emphasis is placed on youth employment and skills development.

– Ensure reduction of carbon foot print in all infrastructure programs.

ensure outcomes of the NEC Lekgotla on infrastructure rollout and the development of a project pipeline, are mainstreamed into the processes of Cabinet .

Within government

- A Cabinet-level committee to co-ordinate and approve large capital projects by SOEs, departments and provinces/municipalities.

- Develop a 10-year project pipeline that will bring long-term certainity about public investments and also allow better partnerships to be developed with the private sector.

- Infrastructure Development Advanced Planning (IDAP) model has proven to be useful in forward planning and creating certainity but also in managing infrastructure projects effectively and effi ciently. It is recommended that government utilise this model fully.

– Finalise Heritage audit to inform our development of heritage infrastructure.

– Ensure that our infrastructure development supports the socio-econimic needs of our country and Rural Development, e.g New irrigation scheme, benefi ciation programmes etc.

– Eradicate backlog of “mud schools”.

– Ensure that the necessary skills plans, - Government must explore all possible PPPs in order to ‘crowd in’ Private sector funding and maximise infrastructure investment.

- Address the current arrangements where the regulatory and investment roles are vested in a single authority.

– Pension funds borrowing should take into cognisance the current levels of government exposure in those funds.

– As an interim measure, steps must be taken to centralise implementation of a number of projects that are currently devolved but where institutional capacity is weak.

– Strengthen participation and inputs into IDP by National, Provincial spheres as legal obligation but within the context of national plans.

– Government must set up a Committee to identify blockages and unblock delays to projects delivery.

– Ensure effi ciency in government spending and curbing corruption.

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

24

5.8. SOEs and DFIs5.8.1 GOVT GOVERNANCE / ALIGNMENT /

COORDINATION (planning)

• There is a need for a common standard for exercising oversight within SOEs by the shareholder.

• New Boards and executives must undergo induction.

• There must be constant engagement with Boards at least on an annual basis to reinforce shareholder policy objectives.

• Strengthen departmental oversight.

• Investment choices must be aligned with priorities.

• A choice needs to be made on whether the single shareholder model is the best versus a closer alignment with the Policy departments.

• The Regional (AFRICA) Agenda.

• South African SOEs lose out on infrastructure development opportunities in the rest of the sub region and the continent.

• Alternative fi nancing models must look at partnerships.

5.8.2 NEW Areas / New SOEs

• Focus on new frontier issues e.g. the hydrogen economy and the potential it can unlock for platinum benefi ciation using the state-owned mining company.

5.8.3 FINANCING MODEL

• The need to explore various options for fi nancing of infrastructure investment was highlighted.

• A strategy to catalyse private sector through SOE investments is necessary.

• The unintended consequences of the user pays principle as exercised by SOEs and its impact on the economy requires attention.

5.8.4 ADMINISTERED PRICES

• Administered prices impact on socio-economic development. The ANC mandates government to investigate a mechanism to mitigate this.

5.8.5 POST BANK

• In implementing the Polokwane conference resolution on the Post Bank, government, through the Department of Communications and EDD, must speed up licensing,

5.7. SOEs and DFIsIn guiding deliberation of the Commission there were three questions posed by the Chairperson to initiate the discussions:

• Clarity – What do we want out of the SOEs and DFIs?

• Value for money – Are we getting value in the context of a developmental state?

• Are we managing them well?

• The need to always bear in mind the links with the Presidential Review on SOEs was recognized.

5.7.1. Scope of Transformation of SOEs and DFIs

• Most of the SOEs and DFIs were inherited from apartheid and lack clear developmental mandates.

• Commission stressed the importance of defi ning new developmental priorities for the SOEs and DFIs.

• There must be distinction between commercial vs. development approach e.g. on the extension of loans by DFIs.

• A clear articulation of the role of private sector in addition to that of the SOEs.

• A key conclusion was the need to speed up the rationalization of state entities and the recommendation is that a process of rationalization be embarked upon as a matter of urgency including the positioning of the new state-owned mining company.

• The ANC ETC should interact with the Presidential Review Commission as a matter of urgency.

5.7.2. SOE and DFI Mandates

• There must be a clearly defi ned mandating process for SOEs.

• Mandates must be reviewed and aligned to objectives of job creation and economic growth.

• The role of SOEs in the development of skills must include annual targets.

• SOEs must be key instruments for industrialization and local manufacturing.

• SOEs must act as a catalyst for private sector investment.

25

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

25

roll out of infrastructure and consolidation of all current microfi nances that are available in the different agencies. We meet our obligations of funding within the micro fi nance space.

5.8.6 CHOICES

• We must manage our level of ambition and appetite as a country. We must match our rollout programme with our resource levels and reprioritise.

5.8.7 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

• Common protocols should be developed in order to regulate the overall governance and appointment of Boards.

• Inter alia there should be a consideration of cross Board appointments for strengthening decisions and consultation .

• Ensure that there are no individuals who serve in a plethora of Boards leading to some form of permanence of service.

5.8.8 REMUNERATION

• The commission resolved that serving in an SOE should be a conscious decision on the part of professionals and remuneration practices should not as a matter of course refl ect those of FUTURE VISION.

• The SOEs should be allowed to grow in a way that enables expanded investment on the continent.

5.8.9 SOE CAPACITY

• In recognition of the technical capacity within SOEs it is agreed that technical capacity within SOEs should also be made available to govt to bolster the capacity to deliver.

• A skills Audit is required to deal with the issue of capacity to build vs. capacity to operate and maintain the private sector.

Resolutions on SOEs and DFIs

• The ANC must develop in-house capacity to support the work of the ETC.

• An action plan towards the rationalization of SOEs needs to be implemented available.

6. ROLE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

1. The fi lling of Public Service Vacancies

2. The Public Sector Absorbing Young Graduates and School Leavers

3. Progress made towards a Single Public Service

4. Public Service Academy

5. Outcome 12

6. General

Role the public service in fulfi lling the outcomes of our priority areas:

What are the bottlenecks?

What are the solutions?

6.1. THE FILLING OF PUBLIC SERVICE THE FILLING OF PUBLIC SERVICE THE FILLING OF PUBLIC SERVACANCIESNoting that:

1. The government Personnel budget has almost doubled.

2. Line departments decide on the creation of and the fi lling of vacancies and are only requires to “consult” with the MPSA

3. That the EA”s of Provinces can fi ll vacancies and create posts without the Premiers concurrence.

4. That there are funded posts that have been vacant for more than a year.

5. That the Organograms of Departments do not are not always determined by Strategy or mandate.

Believing that:

1. approximately 1,2 funded and fi lled posts.

2. approximately 300 000 unfunded posts.

3. approximately 6000 funded vacant posts.

4. Departments use consultants to establish their organograms, do job evaluations and grading.

5. Vacant posts are used in some instances as a contigency for spare funds to fi ll vacancies that arise from time to time usually at lower levels.

6. Persal captures both funded and unfunded posts.

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

26

7. Organisation structures not necessarily funded to the desired extent arising in unfunded posts.

Resolve that:

• Persal clean up to be fi nalised speedily.

• Posts that are justifi ed by Executive Authorities must be benchmarked against the respective departments/ministries personnel budgets.

• The vacancies that arise must be fi lled within three months.

• DPSA must embark on an audit of organograms in all departments, engage on a job evaluation exercise in departments and impose a moratorium on the outsourcing of HRMD work.

• ensure that there is uniformity in defi ning criteria and necessity of posts in the respective organisational structure.

• Determine how may vacancies have been fi lled since the SONA and see how this contributes to the reduction of unemployment and report accordingly.

• Finalise the review of the provisions of “chapter J” with the view to implement and realign those that will assist with improving HR employment practices.

Concerning the historical grading and provisioning of SMS posts,Chapter J of the pre-1999 Public Service Regulations dealt with –

(a) general and specifi c organisational policy provisions;

(b) general policy provisions with regard to the creation of posts and other authorisations for employment of staff;

(c) specifi c establishment provisions; and

(d) norms and standards (formula based) which set the limits within which the establishments of provincial administrations must be determined

6.2. SINGLE PUBLIC SERVICENoting that:

1. The process to fi nalise the establishment of a single public service is near completion.

2. The trade union movement has not been drawn in on the fi nal touches of the bill that addresses the SPS.

3. That a lot of work was done at the L and G subcom on the above.

4. Disparities and anomalies in remuneration between the local, Provincial and National spheres of government exist.

Believing that:

1. The Bill will be ready for submission in September.

2. norms and standards for service delivery, Human Resource Management and Development, Training and development are not uniform.

3. Some smaller municipalities remunerate their offi cials at much higher salaries than the bigger municipalities.

4. Some Municipal Managers and Municipal HOD’s equivalent earn more than Directors General.

Resolve that:

1. Discussion and proposals must not be centred on the creation of single public service remuneration package but rather on the implementation of a set of norms and standards and the capacity to deliver effective services in a sustainable manner.

2. That the discrepancies in remuneration must be in line with some of the provisions of the old Chapter J norms and standards which should be adopted to address the issues in a balanced and equitable fashion.

3. Remuneration of senior managers should be based on the appropriate level of municipalities.

4. The proposed Bill will also address issues of mobility in the Public Service.

5. That the alliance partners will be engaged to assist in fi nalising the last mile of the Bill.

6. A dedicated task team needs to be established in L&G to look into the transformation of the public service and must include relevant COSATU affi liates.

6.3. PUBLIC SERVICE ACADEMY (PALAMA)Noting that:

1. The discussion was based on positioning the public service to become responsive to the priorities of government.

2. What capacity is required by the state at its upper echelons to ensure effective service delivery?

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

27

Believing that:

1. Palama needs to play a central role in the development of the public service and the development of a public service cadre.

3. Academic institutions are not supplying suffi cient skills to the public sector.

4. Palama does not have the necessary resources to carry out its mandate.

Resolve that:

1. A formal Palama Campus be established or partnerships with other Public sector institutions be explored

2. There is access to the 1% skills development fund to implement its programmes.

3. Palama must develop the necessary norms and standards for public service training irrespective from where it is delivered.

4. There should be a link with the ANC Political Education Programme and Policy Institute.

5. MPSA must conduct an audit of capacity and skills present in the public service as well what is required.

6. Critical skills in the Public service must be identifi ed and programmes designed to generate these skills for effi ciency and effectiveness in the Public service.

7. Palama must put in place programmes to address defi ciencies in the public service arena.

8. Palama should explore a partnership with other training academies in the Public Sector, notably Eskom and Transnet.

9. Palama’s programs should align to vision 2030.

10. Develop a programme for Monitoring and Evaluation Practioners.

Skilling for the Public Service and Economy

Resolve that:

a) The department of Higher education and Training, which is responsible for tertiary education and further education and training both in the public and private sector, continue to set up the necessary norms and standards for sector specifi c HRD and not directly control the capacity building.

b) Teacher training colleges remain the competence of higher education and that nurses training colleges remain the responsibility of the Department of Health.

c) The Department of Higher Education and Training should look into enhancing the standard of colleges, and encourage technical training for specifi ed skills sets rather than universities that would not always adequately meet the demands of the economy and public service.

6.4. THE PUBLIC SECOTR ABSORBING YOUNG GRADUATES AND SCHOOL LEAVERSNoting that:

1. The challenge is that the system of interns is not properly managed;

2. The system does not absorb them and some survive by rotating and become permanent interns.

3. There is no proper coordination, supervision and mentoring of the interns.

Believing that:

1. We need to develop a supervisory model which clarifi es the minimum standards for the programme.

2. We must have a clear placement strategy for the interns.

3. Palama has an induction programme for interns for government departments.

Resolve that:

1. A proper coordination and management policy that is task orientated for interns needs to be developed by DPSA.

2. Comprehensive induction must be conducted for all interns to outline their role and the role of government by Palama.

3. DPSA must develop appropriate placement or exit strategies for interns.

4. There must be appropriate coaching and mentorship mechanisms for the interns.

5. Intern activity and progress reports must be submitted quarterly by the mentor and intern.

6.5. OUTCOME 12Focus in this regard was made on some of the outputs of outcome 12

Believing that:

1. Service delivery, quality and access is important for our people.

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

28

2. We need to leverage ICT as a strategic enabler.

3. Corruption needs to be tackled effectively.

4. Effective HRM practices, norms and standards are necessary.

5. A healthy and safe working environment for all public servants is important.

Resolve that:

1. Public service must leverage on institutional memory and capacity of senior civil servants( eg DG’s that have been worked out of the system).

2. Palama to train CDW’s to assist with effective monitoring and evaluation,

3. DPSA to embark on a programme to ensure proper alignment of organisational structures to the mandate and strategy of departments.

4. The SITA must realign itself to meet the greater needs of all Government Departments.

5. SITA’s pricing model must be reviewed and use its economies of scale to procure and provide IT infrastructure at reasonable cost.

6. Too many structures and efforts are addressing corruption and all are not coordinated to eliminate overlap and duplication of services.

7. DPSA should undertake a programme to coach/counsel employees on the management of personal fi nance,

8. DPSA must standardize approaches to organisational design and job evaluation’

9. A performance assessment tool which will address minimum standards for HRM practices be put in place,

10. DPSA must implement measures to improve the environment in which people work, so as to enhance productivity,

11. Labour relations matters should be addressed timeously,

12. Deployees of the ANC should refl ect the ANC’s values by treating and handling interpersonal challenges in a manner that does not affect the workforce and limit the careers of others,

13. We must ensure that there is a healthy working environment at all levels, so as to maintain high morale in the Public service.

6.6. GENERAL OBSERVATIONSo There is poor responsiveness on the part of government

in resolving some personnel disputes which impacts negatively on the morale of the public service.

o DPSA shoulders the burden of Public Service failure but does not always exercise authority in implementing its mandate over total government adherance to Service Delivery impacting decisions.

o Skills that are present in government are at times recklessly handled by government departments when confl ict occurs between the Executive Authority and skilled public servants. DPSA needs to recommend that public servants be rotated and properly redeployed rather than lose them to the private sector.

6. RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORMPROGRESS SINCE POLOKWANE1. The DRDLR has met and discussed with a range of

stakeholders in land reform and rural development and received their views, and has constituted Councils of Stakeholders to manage their interface with Government. The DAFF held the Farm-workers Summit and engaged the workers in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries;

2. The Draft Land Tenure Security Bill to address the conditions of farm-workers and farm-dwellers has been published for comments,

3. The Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Bill to address the apartheid settlement patterns and strengthen the capacities of municipalities to plan has been published and will soon be introduced in Parliament.

4. R1,3 billion has been allocated by the DRDLR as a strategic intervention to support the recapitalization and development of farms.

5. The DAFF has undertaken to organize and establish 39 sustainable rural cooperatives (agriculture, forestry and fi sheries).

6. The AgriBEE Fund MoA between DAFF and the Land Bank was signed by both parties. Disbursement of funds commenced in Quarter 1 of the 2011/12 fi nancial year.

7. Departments of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Rural Development and Land Reform, are fi nalising a MOU which is aimed at creating synergy for agriculture infrastructure development, inputs and experts support for all land reform benefi ciaries in order guarantee success and sustainability of this projects.

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

29

8. A draft Food Security Policy was completed together with an implementation strategy, and the Zero Hunger Strategy completed. The focus areas of the Zero-Hunger Programme include: food purchase programme; nutrition education; food distribution; social relief and distress.

9. A Small Holder Development strategy aims to provide comprehensive support. The vision of the strategy is to ensure a larger and more prosperous smallholder sector that contributes to economic empowerment, food security and rural development; and the DAFF has allocated R1,8 billion as grants in this regard.

10. Smallholder Registry is underway with analysis to be completed. It is a survey of smallholders which identifi es farmers by farm type (commodity, location etc.) to establish provincial smallholder farmer trends and recommendations for further support.

11. An Import Substitution Strategy aims to correct our exposure to global imports, focus our participation in BRICS and act as impetus for job creation.

12. Mechanisation programme is also being rolled out to all 9 provinces, with a remaining 7 provinces to be completed (Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Western Cape) before the end of the year (2011).

Noting that:

1. The progress made in the turn-around of the Land Bank;

2. The proposals to establish the Offi ce of Valuer-General to address valuation norms and standards, and to ensure probity of valuation and the integrity of our land valuation system;

3. The imminent publication of the Green Paper on Land Reform;

4. Continued efforts of the DAFF since 1997 in expanding extension services to the agriculture sector, and enhancing the access to fi nance, market and skills;

5. The diffi culty experienced by emerging farmers in obtaining fertilizer and other inputs as a result of prohibitive costs, and the limiting effect of inadequate state support thereby the call for greater infrastructure and services support to ensure better land utilisation;

6. The unsatisfactory progress in fi nalizing the Land Audit.

Resolve that:

a) A Comprehensive Rural Development Plan supported by dedicated funding for social, economic, agricultural, and non-agricultural infrastructure together with a spatial development component;

b) Role of the Land Bank must be strengthened and transformed to ensure that the Bank offers better support to agrarian transformation, rural development, land reform and agriculture. DRDLR, National Treasury & DAFF to make fi rm recommendations to Cabinet

c) Supports the immediate creation of the Offi ce of Valuer-General, Land Management Commission and the Land Rights Management Board to ensure better support for land reform and rural development;

d) The Expropriation Bill – in line with the Constitution, the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Bill, and the Land Protection Bill [foreign ownership] must be fi nalized without delay;

e) Cabinet must consider and decide on the issues required for a decision on the call on the re-opening of the Restitution cut-off date;

f) Better coordination and planning between DRDLR and DAFF to ensure coherent delivery of land reform, rural development and agriculture programmes;

g) Renewed emphasis on overcoming food insecurity through support for smallholder farmers, by stimulating market opportunities for smallholder farmers for instance through state procurement from them;

h) Ensure that Land Audit is conducted and fi nalized by 2012;

i) Better use of existing irrigation facilities, extending irrigation schemes and enhanced water access by rural dwellers;

j) State-supported initiative for massive production of cheap fencing must be explored; and

k) Ensure enhanced skills development, infrastructure, services and credit support to ensure that smallholders are well supported;

l) The ANC together with popular organizations and the civil society must ensure the mass mobilization to attain increased participation of the people in agriculture and rural development.

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

We have had a very successful lekgotla which has re-affi rmed the centrality if the ANC and its important role in providing guidance to its government in the implementation of its electoral mandate in both the national and local elections.

We invited our Alliance partners again to be part of this exercise, to make their input on how best the ANC must govern and deliver on its political mandate.

We must make sure that the resolutions of this lekgotla do not disappear, but fi nd a way into the government programmes and budgetary processes.

The newly established ANC Performance monitoring and evaluation mechanism, (PME) that we have established, must help to monitor whether the ANC performance is, with regards to the commitments we agreed to, and also in line with the Manifestos we put to our people.

Our monitoring and evaluation mechanism must be more effective. It must measure both the performance and impact of our programmes. Unless it does that, we will not see the value.

Monitoring and evaluation must help government with regards to early warning signals of any failure to ensure a timeous response.

We can only know if our programmes are making the necessary difference in the livelihoods of the people, when we have a strong working PME. The local government elections made it clear that our people were looking for tangible and visible changes to their lives.

They were looking at the ANC to provide answers to their needs. The mood is clear. People want services, faster.

There must therefore be a sense of seriousness and urgency in the manner in which we do our work. We know the fi ve priorities, we know what we want to achieve. We therefore no longer need broad outlines. We have reached the stage of tangible projects and action plans with clear time frames. When we meet at a lekgotla it must be to check progress against those plans and timeframes.

There are a few questions that we should still ponder, going forward. These relate mainly to the need for specifi cs, going forward, to ensure proper monitoring.

• Firstly, there is some real concrete work going on in education and health, and some clear projects implementing both ten point plans. This includes costing.

• We would like to see further work in implementing these programmes. We have a serious crisis of teenage pregnancies, one of the biggest family crises in our

CLOSING REMARKS BY PRESIDENT ZUMA

We need to show action beyond strategies

30

country as outlined here. We need to have concrete and urgent implementation of the proposed interventions to deal with this problem.

• In rural development, we want to know practically which bridges, roads are being built, where, when will this be completed and is the community being told so that they participate?

Which rural towns are being revitalized and how? How far are we with the comprehensive rural development pilot projects?

• On land reform the legislative process outlines the process to be followed.

But we also want to know what will be done to ensure speed as we had said, for example in Polokwane , that we must have distributed 30% of agricultural land before 2014.

• Job creation was declared a priority for 2011, in the January 8 statement and the State of the Nation Address.

This has unfortunately not been refl ected in the commissions and reports generally. Job creation is supposed to be a cross-cutting priority. We need to know from all our governance clusters and sectors what they are doing to contribute to job creation.

1. What are we all doing to grow the economy and create jobs?

2. What are we doing to transform the economy so that it becomes deracialised as called for in the Freedom Charter and the Polokwane resolutions?

We have not seen many new jobs being created by the private sector. The State itself has worrying vacancy levels which are explained in various ways, which affects both job creation and service delivery.

We clearly need to work harder and mainstream job creation as per the directive of our own January 8 statement.

• On Local government, we said during the elections we will change the way local government works. We do not have much time, people are frustrated, and they want to see change in local government.

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

We have had a very successful lekgotla which has re-affi rmed the centrality if the ANC and its important role in providing guidance to its government in the implementation of its electoral mandate in both the national and local elections.

We invited our Alliance partners again to be part of this exercise, to make their input on how best the ANC must govern and deliver on its political mandate.

We must make sure that the resolutions of this lekgotla do not disappear, but fi nd a way into the government programmes and budgetary processes.

The newly established ANC Performance monitoring and evaluation mechanism, (PME) that we have established, must help to monitor whether the ANC performance is, with regards to the commitments we agreed to, and also in line with the Manifestos we put to our people.

Our monitoring and evaluation mechanism must be more effective. It must measure both the performance and impact of our programmes. Unless it does that, we will not see the value.

Monitoring and evaluation must help government with regards to early warning signals of any failure to ensure a timeous response.

We can only know if our programmes are making the necessary difference in the livelihoods of the people, when we have a strong working PME. The local government elections made it clear that our people were looking for tangible and visible changes to their lives.

They were looking at the ANC to provide answers to their needs. The mood is clear. People want services, faster.

There must therefore be a sense of seriousness and urgency in the manner in which we do our work. We know the fi ve priorities, we know what we want to achieve. We therefore no longer need broad outlines. We have reached the stage of tangible projects and action plans with clear time frames. When we meet at a lekgotla it must be to check progress against those plans and timeframes.

There are a few questions that we should still ponder, going forward. These relate mainly to the need for specifi cs, going forward, to ensure proper monitoring.

• Firstly, there is some real concrete work going on in education and health, and some clear projects implementing both ten point plans. This includes costing.

• We would like to see further work in implementing these programmes. We have a serious crisis of teenage pregnancies, one of the biggest family crises in our country as outlined here. We need to have concrete and urgent implementation of the proposed interventions to deal with this problem.

• In rural development, we want to know practically which bridges, roads are being built, where, when will this be completed and is the community being told so that they participate?

Which rural towns are being revitalized and how? How far are we with the comprehensive rural development pilot projects?

• On land reform the legislative process outlines the process to be followed.

But we also want to know what will be done to ensure speed as we had said, for example in Polokwane , that we must have distributed 30% of agricultural land before 2014.

• Job creation was declared a priority for 2011, in the January 8 statement and the State of the Nation Address.

This has unfortunately not been refl ected in the commissions and reports generally. Job creation is supposed to be a cross-cutting priority. We need to know from all our governance clusters and sectors what they are doing to contribute to job creation.

1. What are we all doing to grow the economy and create jobs?

2. What are we doing to transform the economy so that it becomes deracialised as called for in the Freedom Charter and the Polokwane resolutions?

We have not seen many new jobs being created by the private sector. The State itself has worrying vacancy levels which are explained in various ways, which affects both job creation and service delivery.

We clearly need to work harder and mainstream job creation as per the directive of our own January 8 statement.

• On Local government, we said during the elections we will change the way local government works. We do not have much time, people are frustrated, and they want to see change in local government.

We need to show some action beyond strategies. Our turnaround strategy is known, it must be implemented visibly now.

In addition, what are we doing to support councilors, some of whom have been under attack lately? We need to improve and intensify our induction, training and support programmes for new councilors in particular.

And how do we communicate the challenges and plans such that we don’t have councilors being blamed for everything that goes wrong in local government.

Peace and stability; We noted the comment regarding time frames for the regulating of the private security industry. This is an urgent internal security issue.

We also need to continue programmes of improving community participating in policing.

There have been good reports on other areas of work. We will not repeat the reports, suffi ce to say let us have implementation now and less new plans and outlines.

■ KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE PEOPLEWe said the ANC government would be a government that

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NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011

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government more and more visiting communities, assessing the impact of service delivery.

The ANC and its government at all levels need to work together in a single minded way to ensure the implementation of all these comprehensive objectives outlined here.

When we move to the government lekgotla on the 26th to the 28th of July, we will do so with the benefi t of this discussion, unlike before when the ANC lekgotla took place only in January.

This has been a helpful exercise.

■ MOBILISATIONTomorrow the ANC will celebrate Mandela Day through

launching the M Plan, the one million membership imvuselelo campaign.

The 1942 ANC conference took a decision that the organization should have one million members, and we have to fulfi ll that objective before the centenary.

Part of this campaign will help us create structures on the ground that will be an effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism for the ANC.

The building of these structures will further renew our presence and strength on the ground and keep the ANC as in touch with the people as it was many years ago.

We urge all NEC members and every member of the ANC to be part of this campaign as it is implemented. We need to achieve and surpass the one million membership mark before January 8 next year.

Thank you all for participation and hard work. Enjoy Nelson Mandela Day.

NEC Lekgotla Report • July 2011


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