THE National Planning Commission (NPC) has urged government to craft a vision to eliminate poverty and unemployment beyond 2030.
The independent advisory body held a strategic Lekgotla over the weekend and as part of its deliberations at the Lekgotla, the NPC took a decision to continue to focus on possible solutions to the challenges identified in its Ten-Year Review and to use the NPC Call to Action to rally the state, the private sector and society at large to play a role in the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) towards 2030.
The Call to Action identified four priority issues which are a national infrastructure implementation programme, a sectoral growth implementation programme, a just energy transition implementation programme and a national state capability building programme.
Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa in her capacity as the chairwoman of the NPC, said the commission was expected to provide evidence-based advice on futuristic national planning and foresight scenario planning.
“The NPC must assist in forging a conversation among key stakeholders, leading to effective and impactful social compacts on key issues facing the country. We cannot succeed unless we all pull together in the same direction,” she said.
The primary role of the NPC is to advise government and Parliament on matters pertaining to the implementation of the NDP.
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It also has the responsibility to mobilise society around the objectives of the NDP, which remains the only cross-cutting long-term plan for national development in Mzansi.
The NPC said it recognises that the successful implementation of long-term planning requires ongoing adaptation and learning based on rigorous research and evidence that builds on previous endeavours by the state and its partners.
During his address, commission deputy chairman, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, referring to the post-1994 generation, reminded the commission that, “In 2030, Tintswalo will be 36 years old and fast approaching 40. So will the South African democracy. We have a responsibility to give hope to Tintswalo’s children and her grandchildren too.”
The NPC said it remained convinced that the strategic goal of the NDP: the elimination of poverty, unemployment and inequality, remained as compelling as ever.
“However, for these goals to be achieved, a comprehensive, co-ordinated, multi-sectoral approach to development is required,” said Maluleke.
He added that such an approach must include partnerships between civil society, the private sector, government and academia.
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