By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President Paulus Mashatile highlighted the country’s achievements over 30 years of democracy, while acknowledging significant ongoing challenges.
Mashatile responded to Questions for Oral Reply from Members of Parliament in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Cape Town.
The Deputy President addressed questions regarding issues related to South Africa’s Social Cohesion Index (SASCI) research report, and the planned national dialogue.
The study indicated that the most notable decline was in the cohesion dimension, which pertains to respect for social rules.
Trust in institutions and perceptions of fairness have weakened, while levels of solidarity and helpfulness have remained stable.
However, civic participation and general trust in others have shown slight improvements.
“SASCI research report offered us a sense of where we stand as a country in our collective journey towards coercion and nation building equally, the index offers valuable insights into the nation’s strength and challenges, highlighting areas of progress and those requiring urgent attention,” he told MPs.
Guided by the index, he said, government is now developing targeted strategies and policies that promote inclusivity, equity and tolerance amongst all citizens, thereby enhancing society’s overall wellbeing.
He also welcomed the report’s observation that South Africa has made significant strides towards building a united, non-racial and non-sexist society and improving the lives of all its people.
“In this regard, we have worked together to establish a progressive constitutional order, expand access to social infrastructure and services to millions of people and set our economy on a path of reform.”
Despite the considerable progress, South Africa has achieved in creating a society that is both non-racial and non-sexist.
The Deputy President believes the country is currently at a critical juncture.
He said the persistent economic challenges, social discontent, and historical inequalities, continue to pose significant obstacles.
“The political environment is conflictual. The economy is not growing fast enough. Poverty is widespread, and there is a growing sense of social discontent and alienation. It is time to reset and reimagine our country for posterity. This must be done by South African citizens themselves through a process of purpose-directed, [and] courageous conversations.”
According to the Deputy President, government plans to initiate a comprehensive national dialogue focusing on key areas.
“Hence, they envisage a national dialogue that will focus on the following critical areas.”
The key focus will be economic transformation, inclusion and empowerment, poverty, inequality, and hunger.
In addition, the dialogue will zoom in on governance and a capable, ethical developmental state, addressing crime and lawlessness, promoting nation-building and social cohesion, and advancing constitutional rights and principles.
Mashatile also assured MPs that all policy changes, including EEIP ownership rules, must go through Cabinet.
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi’s gazetted a policy directive, the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP).
It proposes to relax the longstanding requirement that foreign ICT investors must hold at least 30% equity in partnership with historically disadvantaged Black people in SA.
It may well be that as a minister, once you have made your determination, Cabinet may not agree that you are right,” he said.
He added that no minister has the power to change any law through regulations.
“Nothing will be changed unless Cabinet decides it should be so, “the deputy president said.
The deputy president acknowledged the existence of several allegations against him and mentioned the proactive steps he has taken, including presenting himself before the ethics committee in parliament and the ANC’s integrity commission.
“But let me assure you, honourable members of the house, that I will continue to subject myself to the relevant institutions as established through our own constitution,” he said.
There was an allegation that Mashatile did not declare certain things to remain transparent; he said the register in his office will be updated in a timely manner to prevent such issues.
He added that his office’s media team is responsible for ensuring prompt responses to press and social media issues.
“I want to conclude by affirming my unwavering commitment to fully cooperate with the ethics and integrity committees of parliament as well as other law enforcement agencies or state institutions that may require clarity on any matter concerning these allegations, “Mashatile said.