Ministers unveil plans for the future

By Khanyisa Tabata
02 March 2010

Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor together with Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti addressed the media earlier today in Parliament about the duties and plans of the Economic Sectors and Employment Cluster.

Pandor said the mandate of the cluster was very clear and that is to grow the economy and create jobs.

Pandor said they recognise that there are structural constraints which have skewed the development trajectory of the country.

The industry policy that’s puts manufacturing, services and other productive sectors, as the engine of sustained growth, said Pandor.

“Science and innovation are critical for South Africa’s long-term competitiveness in a knowledge-intensive global economy. South Africa needs to build on its historical strength in scientific research, to exploit new technologies, and to discover new knowledge," said Pandor.

Land Reforms Minister Gugile Nkwinti has admitted that the target for the 2014 target to return land to their rightful owners won’t be met because there are certain constraints that the department is currently facing.

Nkwinti said there is no new target because there is not enough information to set up a new target.

“We think now we need a balance between recapitalising those we have already taken over because we have a lot of those. We have also agreed with the portfolio committee that we will target two hundred which I have visited myself.


“Between October and November we restructured the Land Reforms budged which amounted to R254 million and now we are working on that budget,” said Nkwinti.

Minister Pandor also mentioned rural development including agricultural and agro-processing saying it integrated and supports mainstream economic activities.

“A job creation model has been developed to ensure that one person per participating household is trained and placed on two year employment contract. Each person employed will contribute at least fifty percent of the income to the household,” said Pandor.

Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said the tourism sector is essential contributor to the GDP, creation of decent work and job opportunities. The World Cup is a test of our organising ability and tourism.

“Last year the tourism industry globally was hit hard we were left with single negative growth and in South Africa we were left with single digits growth. With the World Cup being one hundred days away we expect at least about ten million visitors in the country.

“What I’m deciding with the industry right now is a national bid instrument if not fully or part being funded by government and we will like to launch with the help of private sector a national bureau that is going to help us stop Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban in competing with each other for hosting events.