Mchunu and Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, recently took to the stage in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to address oral questions from members of the house. The two leaders, who have been actively involved in driving the country forward, shared their insights and perspectives on various pressing issues.
Mr. Jackson Mthembu, the Minister in the Presidency, opened the session by stating the importance of the NCOP as a platform for dialogue between government and the people. He emphasized that the NCOP is a vital component of our democracy, ensuring that the voices of all South Africans are heard and represented.
During the session, Mr. Mchunu, who is the Minister of Public Service and Administration, addressed questions relating to the Public Service Amendment Bill. This bill aims to modernize and streamline the public service, making it more efficient and responsive to the needs of the people. Mr. Mchunu highlighted the importance of this bill in improving service delivery and creating a more professional and capable public service.
Furthermore, Mr. Mchunu emphasized the need for a merit-based system in the public service, where individuals are promoted based on their skills and qualifications, rather than political affiliations. He also touched on the issue of high vacancy rates in certain departments, stating that efforts are being made to fill these positions with competent and capable individuals.
Minister Ntshavheni, who is responsible for Small Business Development, answered questions regarding the department’s plans to support and promote small businesses in South Africa. She highlighted the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive, through initiatives such as the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA). These agencies provide training, mentorship, and financial support to small businesses, with a particular focus on women and youth entrepreneurs.
The minister also responded to questions on the implementation of the Youth Employment Service (YES) program, which aims to address the high levels of youth unemployment in the country. She shared the success stories of young people who have been placed in internships and apprenticeships through the program, highlighting the impact it has had on their lives.
In addition to addressing these specific questions, both Mr. Mchunu and Minister Ntshavheni reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a better South Africa for all its citizens. They emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership between government, the private sector, and civil society in driving the country forward and achieving the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP).
The session in the NCOP served as a reminder of the government’s dedication to serving and uplifting its people. Both Mr. Mchunu and Minister Ntshavheni displayed their passion and commitment to improving the lives of South Africans through their answers and interactions with members of the house.
It is evident that the government is taking proactive steps to address the challenges faced by our country, and the NCOP serves as a key platform for accountability and transparency in this regard. The engagement between government and the people in the NCOP is a demonstration of our thriving democracy and the commitment to inclusive governance.
In conclusion, the oral question session in the NCOP with Mr. Mchunu and Minister Ntshavheni was an insightful and productive exchange of ideas and perspectives. It was a reminder of the importance of working together to achieve our common goal of a better South Africa for all. Let us continue to engage and hold our leaders accountable, as we work towards building a prosperous and united nation.