List of 21 Recommendations made by the Harvard Panel of International and Local Economists in its Research Papers on Economic Growth in South Africa, released in May 2008

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 1328

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 27 OF 08 AUGUST 2008

Mr. A J Leon (DA) to ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs:

(1) Whether her department received the list of 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists in its research papers on economic growth in South Africa, released in May 2008; if not,

       (a) why not and

       (b) when is it expected that the department will receive these recommendations; if so,

(2) Whether her department has implemented or will implement any of these recommendations; if not, why not; if so,

(a) which recommendations and

(b) what are the timeframe for each recommendation to be implemented?

REPLY:

Question 1:

(a) The Department of Foreign Affairs did receive the 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economist. 

(b) The 21 recommendations were tabled at the Cabinet meeting of 19 September 2007 and after consideration by Cabinet, the President requested that the papers should be made public to encourage a broader debate on shared growth.  The report was dealt with by the National Treasury on behalf of government.  On 8 May 2008 the National Treasury issued a press statement, releasing the 21 recommendations made by the Harvard panel of international and local economists.

Question 2:

(a) The Department of Foreign Affairs is not the mandated department for the implementation of these recommendations. Cabinet decided how the recommendations should be dealt with.  The details are with the National Treasury. 

(b) The issue of a time-frame for the implementation of the recommendations is not applicable to the DFA.