South Africa - Looking to the Future

In April 2010 President Jacob Zuma appointed a 'National Planning Commission' (NPC) to do the following:

'United in Diversity' (Xam)

"...take a broad, cross-cutting, independent and critical view of South Africa to help define the South Africa we seek to achieve in 20 years time and to map out a path to achieve those objectives...

The establishment of the National Planning Commission is our promise to the people of South Africa that we are building a state that will grow the economy, reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of our citizens."

In June 2011 the NPC released a 'Diagnostic Overview' to begin a wide ranging public consultation process. It contained elements of a vision statement and a diagnostic document for public comment.
  
The elements of the vision statement incorporate key elements of the Constitution and Bill of Rights such as: a democratic state rooted in the values of the Constitution; people united in diversity recognizing the common interest; achieving high equality for women in all aspects of life; high quality education, healthcare and adequate provision of housing, water, sanitation, energy, etc; natural wealth harnessed sustainably, comprehensive social security for citizens in need; access to jobs; a business environment that encourages investment while promoting the common interests of the nation; an efficient state protecting its citizens; and a nation embracing concepts of mutual respect and human solidarity.

The diagnostic acknowledges the considerable achievements already made since 1994. At the same time it clearly states that the process of transformation is far from complete. Essentially it is a summary of the key issues and challenges that lie ahead and that must be met in order for South Africa to prosper. I concludes that continuing on a business as-usual-basis will likely result in the country falling short of its objectives of becoming a prosperous, united, non-racial and democratic country.

It notes that for those South Africans who are excluded from the formal economy, who live in informal settlements and depend on social services which are either absent of very poor quality the political transition is yet to translate into a better life. The document acknowledges that the continued social and economic exclusion of millions of South Africans, reflected in high levels of poverty and inequality, is the biggest challenge.

The diagnostic is a succinct, no-holds barred document clearly articulating the key challenges and providing a working base for dialogue and consultation.  By November 2011 it will have tabled a vision statement for 2030 and a development plan for Cabinet's consideration.

The diagnostic ends with these words:
"Over the next 20 years, the ethics, actions and choices of our country's leaders and its citizens, including the key social actors of labour, business and civil society will determine whether we complete the transformation promised in 1994 or step back into a stagnant, divided, second-class country. It is the National Planning Comission's mission to encourage and enable an engagement between our country's leaders and its citizenry that ensures South Africans realise th promise of our future, as it is so aptly captured in the preamble to our Constitution." 

The full document should be available in pdf format online at www.npconline.co.za