By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says progress has been made in implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
“The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan is a necessary response to the severe economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Plan aims to ensure a swift and lasting economic recovery, with measures to limit the immediate impact of the pandemic on vulnerable workers and households, and to revive economic growth in the short-and medium-term.
“Significant progress has been made since the announcement of the plan less than eight months ago,” said the President, when responding to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces on Thursday.
Ramaphosa said the Infrastructure Fund has been established, and its investment committee has been constituted.
“A total of R18 billion has been allocated to the Infrastructure Fund over the next three years for blended finance arrangements that will leverage private sector funding.”
To achieve greater energy security, a total of 1 200 MW of new generation capacity has now been connected to the grid from projects approved through Bid Window 4 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers (IPP) Programme.
“A request for proposals has been issued for 2 600 MW of power from wind and solar PV projects through Bid Window 5.
“Eleven preferred bidders have been approved as part of the emergency power procurement programme, which will together deliver nearly 2 000 MW of power to the grid over the next 18 months.
“As I announced earlier this afternoon, Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act will soon be amended to increase the licensing threshold for embedded generation projects from 1 MW to 100 MW, “said Ramaphosa.
Presidential Employment Stimulus
The Presidential Employment Stimulus, meanwhile, has supported close to 700 000 work opportunities across a range of programmes, through the creation of new work opportunities, the protection of existing jobs in vulnerable sectors, and support for livelihoods.
Four sector Masterplans are currently in implementation in the automotive, sugar, poultry, and clothing, textiles, footwear and leather sectors.
“This approach, which relies on close collaboration with stakeholders to develop a tailored action plan for high-growth sectors, is already demonstrating results.
“According to data released by the South African Revenue Service, South Africa experienced a cumulative trade surplus of close to R150 billion for the first four months of this year.
“This reflects a massive increase in our exports to the rest of the world, driven largely by the unique strategic value of our mineral resources, “Ramaphosa said.
The President said funding for the measures contained in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan is included in the budgets of all national departments for their areas of responsibility, ensuring that the plan is mainstreamed in the work of government.
“Through the effective implementation of this plan, as well as the structural reforms that form part of Operation Vulindlela, we are reviving our economy and placing South Africa on a new growth trajectory.
“The success of the recovery plan is based on a strong partnership with business, labour and other social partners, as a whole-of-society effort to promote our economic recovery.”
Tackling climate change a national priority
Ramaphosa says transitioning to a low emissions economy offers new opportunities for development.
“We must acknowledge that the transition to a low emissions economy and climate resilient society offers opportunities for new development, investment and job creation.
The President — who will over the weekend participate in the G7 Leaders’ Summit in the UK, where climate matters feature high on the agenda — said tackling climate change is a national priority that requires South Africa to meet its international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and implement adaptation measures to protect individuals, communities and the economy from the effects of climate change.
“If we do not act now, and if we do not act together as a global community, we will be increasingly vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, food insecurity, water scarcity, displacement of populations and biodiversity loss.
“At the same time, the country’s response to climate change needs to be well managed to ensure that it does not negatively impact on the economy or exacerbate inequality, poverty and unemployment.”
The President said it is for this reason that The Presidency established the Presidential Climate Commission to identify a path towards a low emissions economy and climate resilient society that is just, promotes inclusive development and job creation, and leaves no one behind.
The Commission is constituted by members of various sectors of society, including business, labour, civil society, youth, research institutes and government.
Developing comprehensive GBVF prevention strategy
Ramaphosa says as government moves into the second year of the National Strategic Plan aimed at tackling gender-based violence and femicide, a comprehensive strategy is being developed to tackle the problem.
“As we move into the second year of the National Strategic Plan, we are focused on strengthening accountability at all levels of government and society.
“We are developing a comprehensive national GBVF prevention strategy, including evidence-based social and behaviour change programmes.
“If we are committed to working together as a country – as government, communities, civil society, organised labour, business, academia, traditional leaders and the faith community – we will succeed in ending violence against women in South Africa,” he said.
This comes after the President, in his State of the Nation Address in June 2019, committed himself to strategies aimed at effectively tackling gender-based violence and femicide.