Deputy Chairperson, we need a broad consensus on the reaching of our long-term objectives, the outcomes of development and also on the strategies and trade-offs needed in building the society we all desire. We must take stock of the work we have done over the past 15 years. What were our successes and what were our failures? We must identify the areas that need serious attention to improve the quality of life of ordinary people, with specific reference to service delivery.
The lack of coherent long-term plans has limited the capacity to mobilise all of society in pursuit of developmental objectives. Weaknesses in the co- ordination of government have led to policy inconsistencies and, in several cases, to poor service delivery. The Green Paper should be seen as the beginning of a process that seeks to enhance and improve the work of government that is undergoing serious structural changes.
We congratulate the executive for taking this bold step. We also congratulate the Minister in The Presidency for releasing this document to generate public discussion on how government can improve its work. The Green Paper is a platform to test ideas, to consult the public, to broaden the debate and to build consensus. Planning deals with the use of today's resources to meet tomorrow's needs.
The committee notes that issues raised in the Green Paper cannot be resolved with immediate effect, as some of the issues should be regarded as work in progress that will continue to receive the attention of the executive. Parliament will also continue to perfect its role to be in line with the changes that are happening at the executive level.
The Green Paper was tabled in the NCOP on 4 September 2009, but was only referred to the Select Committee on Finance on 28 October 2009. Hon Minister Manuel, Minister in The Presidency for planning, briefed the select committee on 9 November 2009. Given the short period of time, no public hearings could be held. The committee invited provinces to attend the briefing and also to give their inputs. Of the nine provinces, the Eastern Cape, the North West and Gauteng attended. Given this background, we propose that the hon Minister visits provincial legislatures and briefs the members of these institutions.
The Federation of Unions of South Africa, Fedusa, and the SA Local Government Association, Salga, made submissions to the select committee.
Having considered the Green Paper on National Strategic Planning, the Select Committee on Finance proposes the following. Firstly, the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa supports the Green Paper on National Strategic Planning.
Secondly, the President or the Deputy President chairs the Ministerial Committee on Planning in order to ensure objective and independent decisions on the National Planning Commission's recommendations. This second point is actually outdated, considering the decision that was taken this weekend. I want to state again that it is the prerogative of the Head of State, the President, to allocate responsibilities to Ministers in his Cabinet.
Thirdly, the Minister in The Presidency for national planning chairs the National Planning Commission.
Fourthly, the Minister in The Presidency for national planning presents the findings and recommendations to the Ministerial Committee on Planning.
Fifthly, the Presidency provides a detailed report on how the National Planning Commission is going to work together with all other departments and other stakeholders, clarifying the roles of these departments or entities. The report should be submitted to Parliament for consideration and reporting on by the Select Committee on Finance within three months after the adoption of this report by the House.
In the sixth place, the National Planning Commission should work together with all departments mentioned under item 5.2 in the printed report in the Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports. In the seventh place, the Presidency should clarify the roles of provincial executives in the National Planning Commission.
Lastly, the Presidency should clarify if there will be a revised Green Paper or a White Paper on National Strategic Planning. It is recommended that a revised Green Paper or a White Paper be published for consideration and reporting on by Parliament in order to fully comprehend the overall function of national strategic planning.
I move that the House adopts this report. Thank you.
Debate concluded.
Question put: That the Report be adopted.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape.
Report accordingly adopted in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.