Pretoria - The National Development Plan (NDP) is an important tool for South Africa that will help the country develop, President Jacob Zuma said on Sunday.
Speaking to the SABC on its Sunday Live broadcast in the evening, the President said the plan will determine the direction the country takes.
In the 2013 State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on Thursday, Zuma said the NDP has set a target of creating 11 million jobs by 2030.
"There are sectors that we have identified that will create these 11 million jobs by 2030. These include infrastructure and the tourism sector, among others. These sectors have already created jobs and employed people," he said.
On the issue of land, government is committed to resolving issues around this, the President reaffirmed. This he said would be done within the ambit of the country’s constitution. He added that while progress had been slow, compensation for land will be equitable. The matter needed to be looked at “differently”, he explained.
On the issue of education, the President said education must be treated as an essential service. However this definition he said should not be seen in the context that teachers do not have the right to embark on strike action. “We are talking about the importance of education,” he said adding that education is a key element to the country moving forward and developing.
For non-performing municipalities, government was following up on the non-submission of financial reports.
On the issue of councillors who receive tenders, Zuma said that some have already been fired as this behaviour tarnished government’s name. Government was looking at how it can review the tender system he added.
On the matter of the abuse of women and children, President Zuma said a national response is necessary adding that government cannot fight this scourge alone.
"We need to work together as a nation, government cannot do it alone. We need to have specialised courts that will be ready to deal with such situations and convict perpetrators speedily."
On talks of a possible Cabinet reshuffle, the President said that he has heard talk of this but that “I haven’t said anything on it, I haven't said whether it will happen or if it will not happen. I have not spoken to anyone about this. I don't know where people are getting this.” - SAnews.gov.za
