Strategic Planning Workshop for 2010, Discussion on 2010 Programme

Meeting report

Discussion on the Strategic Planning Workshop for 2010
The Chairperson suggested that the workshop should be held after the Cabinet Lekgotla- from 1-5 February 2010. This would enable the Committee to align its programmes and discussions with the priorities that emanated from the lekgotla.

Members were asked to make suggestions about where the workshop should take place.
They all agreed that it should be held outside Parliament so as to avoid any disturbances. The Chairperson suggested that they go to Cape St Francis Hotel in the Eastern Cape. This would enable the Committee to conduct an oversight visit to the Port Elizabeth automotive industry. Members were happy with that suggestion.

Ms S Chen (DA; Gauteng) asked if the relevant documents and policies would be available in time for the workshop so that the Committee could look through them and plan its programmes accordingly.

The Chairperson said he would consult with the relevant structures to make sure that the documentation was made available.

Mr K Sinclair (COPE; Northern Cape) pointed out that given the challenges faced by the nation in terms of the economic crisis, the Committee should think outside the box in their strategic perspective. The Lekgotla would provide a framework of the objectives of the nation and therefore emphasis should be on the role of the Committee. In addition, he advised that the Committee should also invite experts in the field of alternative energy so that they could share their knowledge. He stressed that the Committee should integrate its efforts with those in the business sector in coming up with innovative ideas.

Members agreed with this suggestion.

Mr D Gamede (ANC; Kwazulu Natal) stated that the strategic workshop should be shared between the two committees and agreed that the workshop should be held outside Parliament.

Ms E van Lingen (DA; Eastern Cape) asked how many Ministers were in the 2010 task team and whether they had approval for the workshop. She suggested that they should visit the Eskom nuclear site.

The Chairperson assured the Committee that they would get approval and agreed that critical refineries need to be visited. He added that there were various government clusters represented on the task team and listed some of them.

Inputs by members on the programme for 2010
Members were asked to give their inputs on the draft Committee programme for the following year.

Mr K Sinclair (COPE, Northern Cape) noted that a substantial budget had been set aside for overseas visits and suggested that the researchers should make proposals on where the Committee should visit. At the same time, he indicated that South America should be explored in terms of mining and tourism sector whilst the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) should explore the Shanghai exports. 

The Chairperson suggested Brazil, Russia, India and China as possible venues. He advanced that the Committee would gain from these countries in terms of economic development, mining and energy. The visits would also help to strengthen trade and tourism relationships with those countries.

Ms Chen informed the Committee that they should engage with Transnet and the Chamber of Commerce and enquire about their plans for boosting the economy.

Mr Sinclair advised that the Committee should do its homework before interacting with the different Departments and entities. He added that the Committee should examine what they had delivered, outline their objectives and analyse how working with them bodies would help achieve their mandate. The researches should assist in that regard.

The Chairperson agreed that the Committee should engage with these bodies from a well researched point of view. The National Economic and Development Labour Advisory Council (NEDLAC) should also be included in the discussions in terms of labour forecasts in relation with current job losses and the government’s plan to create sustainable jobs. Lastly, he stated that the Committee also needed to investigate the role of mining in terms of economic development

Mr Gamede recommended that the draft programme should be done by the Management Committee.

Members agreed with this recommendation.

Consideration and adoption of minutes
The Committee considered the minutes dated 6 October, 13 October and 27 October.

No corrections were made and all three sets of minutes were adopted without amendments.

The outstanding issue concerning the visit to the Northern Cape was noted and Members agreed to look into it next year.

The meeting was adjourned.