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By Xolani Mbanjwa
Political Bureau
President Jacob Zuma signed all performance agreements with his ministers on Friday after announcing the names of members of the contentious National Planning Commission.
Zuma - who will complete a year as president next week - has promised that "lazy" ministers will be sacked if they fail to perform.
"You would have taken from what we have been saying during the elections campaign and even after; we've said we don't want lazy people in this government. If people are lazy there will be no reason why they must stay in their jobs. Somebody might not be performing because they are lazy, but somebody may not be measuring up to the task," said Zuma.
He also hinted that ministers who did not perform would be redeployed.
"The fact that we have measurable outcomes means we are going to be able to engage with ministers. In first instances (we will ask them) why are you not able to fulfill what you promised you will? Somebody might say 'look I realise that I am at sea here, I don't know this aspect', not because they are lazy. And such a person, you might say, must be changed to something else," said Zuma.
He added, however, that censure for non-performance was not part of the agreements.
The National Planning Commission, responsible for developing a draft long-term vision and strategic plan for South Africa, will be chaired by Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel and his deputy is businessman and ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa.
The commission was at the centre of policy dispute after Cosatu accused the Zuma government of allowing Manuel to drive the body, and ultimately determine economic direction. Cosatu prefers Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel to drive policy.
Manuel's green paper was tossed aside as Zuma succumbed to pressure from allies, but also struck a compromise that Manuel would still chair the commission.
The 25 members include various experts in education, health, governance, planning rural development including academics, unionists, economists and captains of industry.
They were chosen from a list of 1 280 nominees.
Former government policy guru Joel Netshitenzhe and former Eskom board chairman Bobby Godsell are among the members.
Manuel said the commission would hold its first meeting in two weeks' time and is expected to complete the national vision report and hand it to the cabinet in 18 months' time. "We tried to get the balance right and have people with skills and experience who are able to manage vast amounts of information," said Manuel.
Zuma said the commission was expected to come up with "effective" planning across the three spheres of government and all departments.
He said the commission would enable the government to make its policies and plans more "coherent and focused".
The commission also includes South African Reserve Bank board member Elias Masilela, property specialist Noluthando Gosa, scientist Jennifer Molwantwa, UN official Mike Muller, and lecturer Miriam Altman. Wits academic Chris Malikane, university vice-chancellors llor Irhon Rensburg of Joburg, Malusi Balintulo of Walter Sisulu and Malegapuru Makgoba of KwaZulu-Natal are also among those appointed.
Members of the NPC
Full list of members of the National Planning Commission
Trevor Manuel: chairman
Cyril Ramaphosa: deputy chairman
Bobby Godsell
Elias Masilela
Jerry Vilakazi
Noluthando Gosa
Jennifer Molwantwa
Mike Muller
Mariam Altman
Chris Malikane
Vivienne Taylor
Marcus Balintulo
Vuyokazi Mahlati
Malekgapuru Makgoba
Joel Netshitenzhe
Anton Eberhard
Bridgette Gasa
Thandabantu Goba
Phillip Harrison
Ihron Rensburg
Jerry Coovadia
Karl von Holdt
Mohammed Karaan
Tasneem Essop
Pascal Moloi
Vincent Maphai
This article was originally published on page 2 of Pretoria News on May 01, 2010
Mail & Guardian
Comments by Sonny
Mr President, "Lazy ministers is one thing, but, what about corrupt and criminal
ministers?"
Are they your "Holy Ghosts?"
What has happened to service delivery, the poor and the truths?
Or is all just bureaucratic blunders?
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