The Presidency has introduced online applications for its newly-established National Planning Commission (NPC), saying the nomination process would be sped up through the use of Web-based submissions.
Minister in the presidency Trevor Manuel explained that the presidency has opened nominations for 20 commissioners. Online applications would increase the number of nominations received and would also speed up the application process, Manuel added.
“We need to move with some speed... Parliament opens on 11 February, and then we are making a public commitment to try and get all these processes resolved, so that by the end of March the president ought to be in a position to announce the 20 members of the National Planning Commission,” says Manuel.
Nominations for the NPC, which is tasked with drafting a long-term vision and strategic plan for the country, will be open until 10 February.
Last year, the presidency released the Medium-Term Strategy Framework which details how SA should use natural resources and modern technology, including ICT, in a beneficial and sustainable manner.
The NPC would have to identify development challenges and define priorities over the next five years from the 10 strategic priorities identified in the framework. These include ensuring more inclusive economic growth, decent work and sustainable livelihoods, economic and social infrastructure, rural development, food security and land reform, access to quality education, improved healthcare and fighting crime and corruption.
Manuel explained that the establishment of the NPC had been fast-tracked as appointing commissioners is central to the efficiency of the NPC. In August last year, Cabinet approved the release of the Green Paper on the establishment of the NPC. Following consultations in Parliament, Cabinet approved the Green Paper in December.
“Very importantly, the NPC has to contribute to what government does in the long term... Issues of vision and ensuring there is a consistency of policy that it's easier for the executive to take decisions to so seek a series of policy changes and so on,” says Manuel.
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