The African National Congress (ANC) is considering establishing a commission in the presidency to monitor service delivery, party president Jacob Zuma said on Thursday.
In a report in the Star newspaper, Zuma said the party was looking into the merits of a planning, monitoring and evaluation commission focussed on service delivery.
Speaking about the current economic crisis in South Africa, he said: ”We are clearly not going to be left unscathed, and we will face new challenges running up to 2011.”
”Following a period of remarkable and sustained growth, we are likely to see growth slow in the immediate term.
”But we can expect to see a recovery in household spending and business investment due to falling interest rates and strong public sector involvement,” said Zuma.
He added that if South Africa was to weather the storm there needs to be strong discussions between bankers, business, government and labour.
”The next administration is going into business with its eyes wide open.
”We have to balance the need to invest in public services and safeguard the poor, with the need to ensure fiscal position does not compromise future growth,” he said.
He also said saving jobs was the party’s immediate challenge.
”The first reaction of business when the economy shrinks is to look at retrenchment.
”We must reach an understanding that we will use every possible innovative method to prevent job losses. We need the cooperation of all sectors,” he said.
In its manifesto, the ANC said it will lead a massive public investment programme for growth and employment over the next five years.
Zuma said this will expand and improve rail networks, public transport, port operations, dams, telecommunications and energy.
”Not only will this increase GDP, it will also significantly enhance the country’s economic capacity, and reduce the cost of doing business.
”As a consequence of this, South Africa will become a better place to invest,” he said. — Sapa