Poor policy coordination and the absence of a long-term government strategy are hampering South Africa’s efforts to reduce poverty and improve public services, Planning Minister Trevor Manuel said on Friday.
Manuel, a respected former finance minister, made the comments as President Jacob Zuma, voted into power last year, is under pressure to deliver on his election promises to reduce unemployment drastically.
The jobless rate stands at about 25% after recession slashed nearly one million jobs last year.
“Lack of a coherent long-term plan has weakened our ability to provide clear and consistent policies,” Manuel said in a policy document. “It has limited our capacity to mobilise all of society in pursuit of our developmental objectives.”
“In addition, weaknesses in coordination of government have led to policy inconsistencies and, in several cases, poor service delivery outcomes,” added Manuel, who heads a planning commission established last year.
The African National Congress celebrated its 98th anniversary last week amid growing infighting with its communist and labour union allies who want economic policies to shift to the left, abandoning a pro-business stance applauded by foreign investors.
The government has repeatedly said existing policies will remain in place, but that it is open to debate over contentious issues such as a strong rand currency and the central bank’s inflation-targeting policy, which unions say has led to high interest rates, worsening the plight of the poor.
On Friday, Manuel said the government’s efforts to reduce poverty and roll back the inequalities of the apartheid era “have only begun to take effect”.
Manuel launched a public campaign for nominations to serve on the National Planning Commission, which will be draft a long-term vision and strategic plan for the country. Zuma is expected to announce the commissioners by the end of March. — Reuters