DEBATE ON THE BUDGET VOTE OF THE PRESIDENCY

UNCLAS CAPE TOWN 000152

SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM SF

SUBJECT: DEBATE ON THE BUDGET VOTE OF THE PRESIDENCY


1. (U) On June 24 Poloff attended the budget vote of the
Presidency in Parliament. This vote complements the State of the
Nation debates held earlier this month. During the State of the
Nation Address 10 priorities for government over the next five years
were outlined and government made a commitment to speed up economic
growth and transform the economy to create employment and
sustainable development for all.

2. (U) Speaking in the National Assembly, President Jacob Zuma
explained a number of issues that were mentioned in the State of the
Nation address, particularly the rationale behind the new ministries
and departments. He said he had been questioned over why it was
necessary to have both the Trade and Industry Department and the
Economic Development Department. He said trade matters would
require a strong focus to have a direct impact on industrial
organization and output, while the economic development portfolio
would have a strong domestic focus and would address, among other
things, matters of macro- and micro-economic development planning.
He also stressed the importance of improved service delivery amongst
civil servants, but did not have much sympathy for the concerns of
state employees, such as doctors, who are threatening strike action
for more money. He said, "We have to introduce, without delay, a
culture of hard work, courtesy and accountability by staff in the
public service." On an international level Zuma said South Africa
will continue to participate in international forums and strengthen
its relations with regions and nations of the world. He highlighted
South Africa's commitment to the African continent and said the
government would continue to advance the implementation of the New
Partnership for Africa's Development and will prioritize regional
integration. He said South Africa would continue to assist in
peacekeeping operations and in the reconstruction and development of
the African continent. Zuma said that as the current Chair of SADC
South Africa would continue to support the Government in Zimbabwe
and render whatever assistance it could and urged other countries to
assist in Zimbabwe's recovery. He highlighted the importance of
IBSA (policy collaboration among India, Brazil and South Africa)
when he said "for us, the strategic partnership with India, Brazil
and China constitutes a critical pillar of our international
relations."

3. (U) In response to Zuma's budget speech, Democratic Alliance
(DA) Parliamentary leader, Athol Trollip said it was imperative that
President Zuma distance his government from the ANC's tripartite
alliance partners -- the South African Communist Party and the
Congress of South African trade Unions). He said Zuma's
administration was being haunted by the ghosts of his predecessor,
former President Thabo Mbeki whose administration strained the
policy consensus within the tripartite alliance. Trollip was
scathing in his attack and said the state presidency was being held
hostage by the politically powerful majority ANC, noting that "the
Secretary-General of the ANC is not the President." Trollip accused
Zuma of expanding the government too rapidly resulting in a growth
in bureaucracy. He also responded to reports in the media stating
that the ANC would like to reorganize domestic governance by doing
away with South Africa's provinces. "We will not allow the ANC to
stop us (DA) governing the province (the Western Province) we won in
a free and fair election," Trollip said.