Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma is in a meeting with black professionals in Pretoria to discuss the implementation of government’s Programme of Action, particularly the National Development Plan (NDP) and other key governance issues.
On Friday, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Buti Manamela briefed media gathered at Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse ahead of the meeting.
He said the meeting is part of many engagements the President is having with various sectors and the attendees will be brought up to speed with how far government is with the Black Industrialist Policy.
The meeting will also touch on government’s plans to turn around the economic status of the country.
“This is not a talk shop. The plan is to say, ‘this is how far we have come. What do you think?’ We want you, in partnership with government, to take forward all of these plans… The NDP will not be implemented by government alone. We need all sectors of society to be involved,” said the Deputy Minister.
The meeting is attended by the leadership of organisations such as the Black Management Forum, Association of Black Accountants South Africa, Black Lawyers Association, Progressive Professionals Forum, National Society of Black Engineers, Association of Black Securities Investment Professionals, Association of South African Black Actuarial Professionals, Black Information and Technologies Forum, South African Black Technical and Allied Careers Organisations, Association of Women Chartered Accountants, and South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners.
The Presidency said social cohesion and the fight against racism will also be discussed at the meeting.
Deputy Minister Manamela said the President will engage the labour sector, youth and other sectors later in the year.
Today’s meeting was necessitated by a request from organised black professionals, who felt a need to be listened to and be engaged on particular issues.
“Whoever wants to engage with the President at any given point is at leisure to request that engagement…” said the Deputy Minister.
A number of Ministers are also in attendance. - SAnews.gov.za
