Rethinking national planning institutions: a critical appraisal of the Green Paper

Abstract

This paper seeks to provide both an honest assessment and a critical appraisal of the institutional architecture that is proposed in the Green Paper that will underpin South Africa's strategic planning. It argues that South Africa needs a super-ministry in the Presidency, headed by the deputy president and supported by a minister of planning, and not a commission made up of experts, leaders and intellectuals. This will enhance the organisational and technical capacities of the state to develop and implement a coherent development plan and ensure effective co-ordination and allocation of resources.