Motlanthe to lead poverty fight
2009-06-24 20:06
Cape Town - Deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe will, among other responsibilities, take the lead in championing the fight against poverty, President Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday.
This would include integrating government plans and mobilising social partners.
"Government cannot wage this war alone," Zuma told the National Assembly during debate on his budget vote.
Reviewing forums
"As part of building a responsive, interactive and effective government, we must strengthen our partnerships with society.
"We are in the process of reviewing our public and stakeholder forums such as the current Presidential Working Groups, advisory councils and izimbizo.
The functioning and capacity of institutions such as NEDLAC [National Economic Development and Labour Council] would also be improved and strengthened.
"Our objective is to build an enduring partnership informed by the shared interests of all social partners and society at large," he said.
Closer ties to opposition
As leader of government business in Parliament, Motlanthe would also be responsible for building stronger relations between the executive and the legislature as well as with political parties represented in Parliament.
The president would also prioritise the need to maintain positive and cooperative relations with the opposition, in the spirit outlined in both the inauguration and state of the nation addresses.
"Our aim is to build a more cohesive society, where all of us, irrespective of race, class or political persuasion, contribute to making South Africa succeed," Zuma said.
- SAPA