POA June 2006

Presentation to POA Participants: 

Presentation to POA Participants Anver Saloojee. Tuesday 20 June 2006

Overview of arguments made in the CSAR (1) : 

Overview of arguments made in the CSAR (1) The Report notes that achievements of a free South Africa must be measured against the legacy of apartheid inherited in 1994. This legacy included immense material deprivation for the vast majority of South Africans. The legacy also included racialised and feminised poverty, racial segregation, a huge unequal division of land, wealth and income based on race, and legalised, institutionalised and systemic racial and gender discrimination in all walks of life.

Overview of arguments made in the CSAR (2): 

Overview of arguments made in the CSAR (2) The Report notes the emergence of an enabling political and economic environment conducive to: improving social cohesion and economic growth, transformation and empowerment The Report has a strong focus on gender issues throughout.

Overview of arguments made in the CSAR (3) : 

Overview of arguments made in the CSAR (3) The Report draws attention to: The important role of the developmental state, The value of a shared vision of a non-racial non-sexist democratic country, The importance of the Constitution in the lives of all South Africans, and The value of having a people’s contract that unites citizens and civil society with government and elected representatives.

Key Themes: 

Key Themes The social, political and economic spheres of South African society have made remarkable progress in transformation. Much has been accomplished but much more needs to be done. Poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment are still the three primary challenges facing our country. The importance of a People’s Contract that guides the policies programmes and actions of the developmental state needs to be strengthened. This allows the transformation imperatives of the Constitution to be realized. Improving access to rights and using them properly is a major area of agreement that needs to be taken forward in practical ways so that justice is really taken to the people.

Slide6: 

Major concern with the monitoring and evaluation of services and resources - to help improve service delivery, rather than just providing information on what services are delivered, and reporting on how much has been utilised. South Africa has made impressive progress in aligning the legal and institutional infrastructure with the requirements of our much-celebrated constitutional dispensation. Government has developed and adopted a vast array of laws and policies aimed at transforming society and empowering previously disadvantaged and marginalized groups, especially women and people with disabilities. Despite advances in the legislative and institutional framework, submissions identified fundamental challenges and constraints that continue to inhibit the consolidation of the democracy and the full realization of political and socio-economic rights.

Slide7: 

Despite successes in combating poverty since 1994, the high levels of poverty and inequality, especially in terms of access to state services remain a matter of serious concern. The limited skills, capacity and resources available to the state, especially at provincial and local levels, have been acknowledged as inhibiting the functioning and responsiveness of state institutions and programmes. This is apparent in the gap that appears to exist between policy and implementation. While active participation by the public in political processes and decision-making structures is fundamental to the advancement of democracy and effective service delivery, participation systems need to be strengthened.

South Africa’s Socio-Economic Goals(1): 

South Africa’s Socio-Economic Goals(1) Broad agreement on the goals articulated but competing understandings of how we get there: Reduce inequalities; Reduce wealth- and asset-gaps between rich and poor; Halve poverty and unemployment by 2014; Meet the Millennium Development Goals;

South Africa’s Socio-Economic Goals(2): 

South Africa’s Socio-Economic Goals(2) Grow the economy by accelerating to an economic growth rate of at least 6% by 2010; Ensure that the benefits of economic growth are more equally distributed between the ‘first’ and ‘second’ economies; Improve the quality of life of all South Africans by enhancing their access to housing, water electricity, health care, sanitation etc.

Key findings in the CSAR. Theme 1:Democracy and Good Political Governance : 

Key findings in the CSAR. Theme 1: Democracy and Good Political Governance We have an impressive human rights framework that is the envy of many in the world Our commitment to a multiparty democratic system and the rule of law is uncontested Discussion about “proportional representation” vs first past the post. The strength and ability of our judiciary is a national source of pride. Our work to create a framework that protects vulnerable people will also produce long-term results that we can be pleased with.

Key findings in the CSAR. Theme 2:Economic Governance and Management (1): 

Key findings in the CSAR. Theme 2: Economic Governance and Management (1) We have accomplished much in improved economic management of which to be proud The Report notes that South Africa’s economy has turned a corner since 1994. Macro economic stability, a clear economic path and good management are all major achievements

Economic Governance and Management (2): 

Economic Governance and Management (2) Although confronted with extreme socio-economic difficulties, the country’s macroeconomic management has been prudent and impressive. Formulation of policy could be more transparent: Stakeholders outside government seek further opportunities to contribute to the formulation of policies and legislation. Long term improvements in these must benefit the poorest and most vulnerable members of our communities.

Key findings in the CSAR. Theme 3:Corporate Governance (1): 

Key findings in the CSAR. Theme 3: Corporate Governance (1) Our ongoing and highly successful work to improve corporate governance is amongst the most dynamic and effective in the world. Our plans to revise company laws will help improve competitiveness and bridge the gap between our economic sectors. Stakeholder engagement needs deepening and extension.

Corporate governance (2): 

Corporate governance (2) The Report highlights the urgent need for completion of the revision of the Companies Act The report notes that the impacts of changes to auditing and accounting legislation are still not clear. Stakeholders’ arguments around the need to tighten and enhance anti-corruption processes and frameworks are noted.

Key findings in the CSAR. Theme 4:Socio Economic Development : 

Key findings in the CSAR. Theme 4: Socio Economic Development Socio-economic development is a major challenge to all South Africans, especially those worst affected by poverty We have made a magnificent start in combating poverty While we still have far to go, the turnaround has started and will accelerate in years to come.

Socio Economic Development (1): 

Socio Economic Development (1) The clarity of vision and independence of the national development approach is acknowledged Progress and performance is widely agreed upon but it is there is no agreement on the exact extent of the outstanding challenges. Development initiatives are constrained by a lack of skills and infrastructure

Socio Economic Development (2): 

Socio Economic Development (2) The clarity of vision and independence of the national development approach is acknowledged Progress and performance is widely agreed upon but it is there is no agreement on the exact extent of the outstanding challenges. Development initiatives are constrained by a lack of skills and infrastructure

Socio Economic Development (3): 

Socio Economic Development (3) Conditions in the second economy are noted and the need to bridge the gap between it and the first economy is noted Existing frameworks to promote special groups are commended The need for a deeper, conclusive national debate on poverty is highlighted.

Slide19: 

The APRM process engagement, inclusion and participation and it has reached into many corners of our country. It has stimulated the minds and the passions of the people of South Africa. The people of South Africa expect to be consulted about things that impact on their lives and they expect the results of consultation to be reflected in meaningful policies and programmes. The people of South Africa, individually, collectively and through their organisations and representative institutions, took to the APRM process because it resonated with their traditions and expectations and with our national culture of politics, consultations and dialogue.

Slide20: 

The APRM is about both process and outcomes. It resonates with South Africans because it affirms that which is intrinsically socially just, good and worthwhile and because it is about creating better states of equality, transparency, accountability and good governance. Twelve years into democracy, South Africans from all walks of life seized the opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue about progress to date and the challenges ahead, free of any constraints, in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Thank you.