Johannesburg -
Programmes for economic transformation mentioned in the ANC's election manifesto have been budgeted for, the party said on Monday.
“(These) are based on numbers, worked out in detail,” African National Congress economic transformation sub-committee chairman Enoch Godongwana said at a media breakfast in Johannesburg.
He said the ANC's manifesto was a “realistic plan”.
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, who is on the sub-committee, pointed out that focus areas of financial development and programmes mentioned in his budget review overlapped with the ANC's manifesto.
“Every one of them is funded,” he said.
Godongwana said industrialisation of the economy was key.
The government was putting emphasis on building on incentives, putting local content in place in terms of procurement and moving faster on beneficiation.
The ANC was looking at building capacity through infrastructure programmes in the energy sector, public transport, water and mining.
Youth employment was on its priority list.
Godongwana said people aged 15 to 19 needed to be trained.
Skills formation would increase employment.
He said young people needed to be put into vocational training or integrated into the expanded public works programme (EPWP).
Committee member and Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi said the EPWP was more than just providing financial support.
“It's meant to rebuild work ethic, “ he said.
“People are doing what's called real work. They earn a stipend and are able to contribute to their households.”
Jobs within the EPWP were short-term jobs, but there were also some longer-term jobs.
The programme included basic and further training, said Nxesi.
This helped people enter the formal job market and sustain their families.
“We are looking at more programmes to help communities,” he said.
A number of departments were involved.
Nxesi said government's track record spoke for itself. The first two phases of the EPWP met its targets.
“We can deal with six million (job opportunities) because we have expanded the scope and put in support mechanisms in municipalities.
“The infrastructure is there and we have the experience.”
The ANC believed economic growth and expansion created jobs, he said. - Sapa