President Jacob Zuma is talking like a manager. He briefed journalists on Thursday morning about a new programme of action for each government department, following a two day Cabinet lekgotla (meeting). In the offing are measurable deliverables, targets and timelines for departments, based on new key outcomes. “I know that the wheels of government can turn very slowly,” he said. “I think we can change that.”
But can he deliver? We round up the promises that were made.
Education
He’s said it before, but now Zuma is adamant that teachers will be in class on time — and properly skilled to boot. The delivery agreement promises 200 000 children between the ages of seven and 15 into school before 2014.
Health
While he dwelt on the successes of government’s near eradication of polio and measles, Zuma admitted to “performance problems in the public health system”. The health department’s delivery agreement will focus on this, as well as an early treatment of HIV and other diseases.
Fight against crime
There was much talk of building on the successes of the Soccer World Cup. “The inspiration to do more and achieve more is the primary legacy of the World Cup,” said Zuma. A one-liner on corruption promised that an anti-corruption task team would be created to “fast-track the investigation and prosecution of corruption”.
Human settlements
Zuma laughed off one reporter’s claim that pressure on the government would ease with Fifa off their backs. “The citizenry have always put pressure,” he said. He should know — having to face angry and sometimes rampaging communities demanding housing. Now he’s promising that 400 000 households in informal settlements will be upgraded by 2014.
Rural development and land reform
Mend a fence and reap the rewards. Literally. Government’s “community work programme” provides predictable income for the desperately poor in rural areas willing do community jobs such as maintenance and caring for the aged. In addition, government is looking to expand commercial farming and agri-processing opportunities — as well as smallholder famers.
Infrastructure development
Government is steaming ahead with the controversial Medupi power station as well as other major projects. These include completing the Gautrain in the next year, expanding the bus-rapid transit system and re-commissioning the Komati power station.
Youth development
Vague statements were made about “initiatives” focusing on youth unemployment and skills, but Zuma was mum on the idea of a youth wage subsidy, after he raised it in his State of the Naion address in February. When asked, he acknowledged there was an enormous outcry against the idea, which mainly came from the Congress of South African Trade Unions. “But nobody has provided an alternative to our proposal, so it may be the only solution we have. We cannot let young people be added to the army of the unemployed.”
Economic growth and development
Much of this section was spent praising the gains made in the World Cup and promising an enduring economic legacy from the tournament. A draft developmental economic growth path document is being compiled and will grapple with the persistent problem of creating employment on a large scale.
The full details of each department’s plans will soon be made available, according to the presidency.