Since the 2008/9 economic downturn, the question “What is the 3% growth plan?” often comes up. And when in doubt, call in the economics A team from Harvard or Cambridge! But what needs to be done is well known. The most critical question is about how to generate economic momentum.
The first question that must always be asked in respect of a great idea is: “Who is going to lead and are they enabled and accountable?”It is tempting to unleash novel policy directions but it is far more important to build a track record of successful implementation”. While not of the same magnitude, the main infrastructure SOEs with significant service delivery roles and/or the largest component of government exposure to guarantees also need attention. Eskom, Transnet, Prasa, Sanral, PetroSA, SAA and the water boards come to mind.
2: “Municipalities will be supported to speed up service delivery with a focus on all 44 districts and eight metros.”There is an inter-ministerial team focused on strengthening service delivery in water, sanitation, waste disposal, electricity, roads and human settlements at the local level. Since 2018 it has prioritised 57 municipalities, including the metros, accounting for 72% of the population.
No matter what coordination happens at a national and provincial level, local service delivery will rely on building municipal government leadership capability. This needs to receive top priority. Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs, with law enforcement agencies such as the Hawks, SIU and SARS regarding investigations and prosecutions of transgressors.