Ramaphosa, Godsell for national planning commission - - The Good News Page 1 of 2

Ramaphosa, Godsell for national planning commission

Monday, 03 May 2010 ANC heavyweight and businessman , and former Eskom chairman Bobby Godsell have been appointed to government's National Planning Commission that forms part of the Presidency Ministry.

Also on the team announced by President , are ANC National Executive Committee member, Joel Netshitenzhe and Business Unity South Africa Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Vilakazi.

Making the announcement in Pretoria, Zuma said the commission would be chaired by Minister in the Presidency: National Planning Commission Trevor Manuel, with Ramaphosa as his deputy.

He said the 24 commissioners would be tasked with producing a national development plan and development vision statement for the country.

"The commission, assisted by a full-time secretariat, will develop well-researched, evidence-based proposals, cutting across the three spheres of government and across ministries and departments."

They would produce reports on issues affecting long-term development, such as water security, climate change, food security, energy security, infrastructure planning, human resource development, defence and security matters, the structure of the economy, spatial planning, and demographic trends.

"While each of these areas of work relate to an aspect of government's work, the commission is asked to take an independent, cross-cutting, critical and long-term view of these issues," said Zuma. Businessman Cyril Ramaphosa has "This exercise will enable us to make [sure] government's policies and plans are more been appointed to the National coherent and focused on achieving the type of society that we all envisage." Planning Commission

The commission, which would feed its work to Cabinet, would meet for the first time on May 10th and 11th.

The commissioners were not chosen just because of their fields of expertise, but because of how they would work together and with other key sectors in society, said Manuel.

"Most of the people on this list would know about various areas, but ultimately we don't want to rely on the expertise of commissioners only... You don't want a group that is so alienated from everyday society," he said.

Appointed as commissioners are: University of the Witwatersrand economist Dr Christopher Malikane, University of KwaZulu- Natal Vice-Chancellor Professor Malegapuru William Makgoba, former Western Cape Transport and Public Works MEC Tasneem Essop and research specialist Dr Karl von Holdt.

Also appointed are: Sanlam Policy Analysis Head, Elias Masilela; property industry executive Noluthando Gosa; biotechnologist Dr Jennifer Molwantwa; water resource management expert Mike Muller; and Human Sciences Research Council Centre for Poverty, employment and growth Executive Director, Dr Mariam Altman.

Other areas that experts have been appointed to include: Social policy, development planning and social and economic development, Professor Vivienne Taylor; Sociology and higher education transformation, Professor Malusi Marcus Balintulo; Rural development, Vuyokazi Mahlati; Infrastructure reform and regulation, Anton Eberhard; Project management Bridgette Gasa; Engineering Thandabantu Goba; and urban management and forward spatial planning, Phillip Harrison.

The team also includes: University of Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Ihron Rensburg; University of Natal Doris Duke Medical Research Scientific Director Professor Jerry Coovadia; University of Stellenbosch AgriSciences Dean Professor Mohammed Karaan; Public sector management, change management and organisational/institutional design expert Pascal Moloi; and National Responsible Gambling Programme Chairman Dr Vincent Maphai.

Manuel said it should be recognised that the 24 commissions had been "whittled down" from the original 1280 people who were either nominated or volunteered to "step up to the plate".

http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3253... 2010/05/04 Ramaphosa, Godsell for national planning commission - South Africa - The Good News Page 2 of 2

He emphasised that the members were not employed as government's civil servants but had rather been called to national service.

"The individuals here were not interviewed, it is not a job."

Manuel conceded that the list of names could be "hit and miss" but as a new department in the presidency it was expected.

He said the national vision would be presented to Cabinet in 18 months and that was when the "rubber hits the road".

Sapa

http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3253... 2010/05/04