Issued by: Government Communiction (GCIS)
24 August 1999
Government notes the publication by the Centre for Development Enterprise of its report "Policy making in a new democracy".
Though an extensive analysis of the report demands more time, it is clear that there is a need in reading it to make a rigorous distinction between the report's reflections on the process of democratic policy-making and implementation on the one hand, and on the other, the report's main thrust, namely its forceful advocacy of specific policy positions favoured by CDE in such areas as the labour market, affirmative action, health and education.
Seeking to promote policy positions is an essential part of democratic debate and will be welcomed or contested by the various political parties and other organisations according to their own policies and mandates.
Insofar as the report reflects on the last five years' experience in making policy and implementing it, many of the concerns raised are shared by government.
Indeed much that is contained in the report in this regard is drawn from government's own self-critical stance, whether through such processes as that of the Presidential Review Commission or expressed by individuals in leadership positions in government or by senior government officials.
The fact that many of the changes recommended in these processes have already been implemented or are in the course of being applied, bears further testimony to the seriousness of government's intent to remedy shortcomings and improve on the nation's achievements in the first five years of freedom.
President Thabo Mbeki spent the entire day today in consultation with all the country's Directors-General as part of the programme to improve the effectiveness of government, building upon experience gained over the past years, and to ensure faster change.
The results of the election only two months ago reinforce our confidence that government has the right policies for achieving a better life for all, especially the poor. They indicate that government has been performing according to those policies to the satisfaction of the overwhelming majority of South Africans.
One of the achievements of our democracy is that structures of civil society, like the Centre for Development Enterprise, have avenues and opportunities for influencing government, including parliament and its committee system. No doubt issues raised by this report will add to the vigorous policy process at work in our country.
For interview arrangements, please contact Portia Maurice at 082 5754 132.