However, he stressed that one of the issues that should be addressed was "how to ensure that legislation passed by the national legislature does not impose unfunded mandate onto provinces and municipalities”.
He said the same applied to the provinces, which he said should also be cautious legislation that imposes financial obligations on local government.
Shilowa said that the current Health Bill, in redefining municipal health to be only about environmental health, may lead to municipalities such as Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg, having to close clinics or hand them over to the provincial government.
“Unless there are national resources to compensate the provincial government, health care in the areas is likely going to deteriorate.
We need to avoid this,” he said.
Overall, however, the premier was upbeat about progress made since 1994.
“Many South African acknowledged that all the policies and programmes that we have been implementing since 1994 have taken forward our vision of a new South Africa as contained in a number of our policy documents such as the Freedom Charter and the RDP,” said Shilowa.
“Many of the most vulnerable of our people, who previously could not get any help from the state, including poor parents who could not afford to support their children, now receive social security grants,” he added.
Millions have also gained access to water and electricity, especially those who live in the rural areas, while workers have more rights and are protected by the constitution.
Shilowa also reminded delegates that it is easier to do business in South Africa, now that doors have been opened and trade ties have been made.
The government says it is also working on creating equal rights for women, children, disabled persons and different races alike.
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