The Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP)

1 The Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) A Policy Framework Contents PREFACE 1. INTRODUCTION TO THE Reconstruction AND Development Programme What is the RDP? Why do we need an RDP? The six basic principies of the RDP The key programmes of the RDP Conclusion 2. MEETING BASIC NEEDS Problem statement Vision and objectives Jobs through public works Land reform Housing and services Water and sanitation Energy and electrification Telecommunications Transport Environment Nutrition Health care Social security and social welfare 3.

2 DEVELOPING OUR HUMAN RESOURCES Problem statement Vision and objectives Education and training Arts and culture Sport and recreation Youth Development 4. BUILDING THE ECONOMY Problem statement Vision and objectives Integrating Reconstruction and Development Industry, trade and commerce Resource-based industries Upgrading infrastructure Reform of the financial sector Labour and worker rights Southern African regional policy 5. DEMOCRATISING THE STATE AND SOCIETY Problem statement Vision and objectives 5:3 Constituent Assembly National and Provincial Assemblies National and provincial government Security forces The administration of justice Prisons Restructuring the public sector The public service Parastatals and state Development institutions Local government Civil society A democratic information Programme 6.

3 IMPLEMENTING THE RDP Problem statement Vision and objectives Implementing and coordinating structures Planning frameworks Financing the RDP 7. CONCLUSION SUBMISSIONS Preface This document - The Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) - is the end of one process and the beginning of another. The document is the result of many months of consultation within the ANC, its Alliance partners and other mass organisations in the wider civil society. This consultation has resulted in the policy framework contained in this document. The process now underway is that of developing the detailed policy and legislative Programme necessary to implement the RDP.

4 In preparing the document, and in taking it forward, we are building on the tradition of the Freedom Charter. In 1955, we actively involved people and their organisations in articulating their needs and aspirations. Once again we have consulted widely. However, in 1994 we are about to assume the responsibilities of government and must go beyond the Charter to an actual Programme of government. This RDP document is a vital step in that process. It represents a framework that is coherent, viable and has widespread support. The RDP was not drawn up by experts - although many, many experts have participated in that process - but by the very people that will be part of its implementation.

5 It is a product of consultation, debate and reflection on what we need and what is possible. For those who have participated in the process it has been invigorating and reaffirmed the belief that the people of our country are indeed its greatest asset. The RDP has gone through six drafts. This document incorporates the numerous comments and proposals arising from our Conference on Reconstruction and Strategy in January (1994). In the process there has been much public comment - both favourable and critical. We welcome this, even though we may not always agree with the comment.

6 However, in many cases, both public and private comments have made very valuable contributions and caused us to rethink because by doing so the greater interests of all will be served. With this document we will now consult very widely to ensure that all considered views are available to the policy making process. We are encouraging local communities to begin developing their own priorities. Within this framework we are able to organise and develop further the vast amount of research and information available to us in the developing of detailed policy. The ANC and its Alliance partners have principles and policies to which we are deeply committed, but we will not close our ears to other viewpoints.

7 Let me encourage all to express those viewpoints. Democracy will have little content, and indeed, will be short lived if we cannot address our socioeconomic problems within an expanding and growing economy. The ANC is committed to carrying out these programmes with the support of its allies and our people. From 26-28 April (1994) each of us has a right to exercise a choice - without doubt one of the most important choices any of us will ever make. That choice will determine our socio-economic future and that of our children. Join us in the patriotic endeavour to ensure that all our people share in that future.

8 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela 1994 1. Introduction to the Reconstruction and Development Programme WHAT IS THE Reconstruction AND Development Programme (RDP)? The RDP is an integrated, coherent socio-economic policy framework. It seeks to mobilise all our people and our country's resources toward the final eradication of apartheid and the building of a democratic, non-racial and non-sexist future. Within the framework for policy represented by the RDP, the ANC will develop detailed positions and a legislative Programme of government. The RDP has been drawn up by the ANC-led alliance in consultation with other key mass organisations.

9 A wide range of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and research organisations assisted in the process. This process of consultation and joint policy formulation must continue as the RDP is developed into an effective Programme of government. Other key sectors of our society such as the business community must be consulted and encouraged to participate as fully as they may choose. Those organisations within civil society that participated in the Development of the RDP will be encouraged by an ANC government to be active in and responsible for the effective implementation of the RDP.

10 This inclusive approach to developing and implementing policy is unique in South Africa's political history. The special nature of the ANC as a liberation movement and the traditions of the Freedom Charter make it the only political organisation capable of unifying a wide range of social movements, community-based organisations and numerous other sectors and formations. Widespread and broad-based extra-parliamentary support will allow the ANC within a Government of National Unity to implement the Programme . WHY DO WE NEED AN RDP? Our history has been a bitter one dominated by colonialism, racism, apartheid, sexism and repressive labour policies.