To commemorate the two-year anniversary of the launch of Operation Vulindlela, the Presidency and National Treasury have produced a report on the implementation of economic reforms.
Operation Vulindlela was launched in October 2020 as a collaborative endeavour between the Presidency and the National Treasury to expedite the execution of structural changes.
“By fostering collaboration and coordination across government in support of the reform agenda, Operation Vulindlela has achieved significant progress in a short space of time,” said the Presidency.
The report released by the Presidency on Wednesday gives a comprehensive update on the execution of critical reforms in the power, transportation, water, and telecommunications sectors, as well as visa regime improvements.
Download the complete report at https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/operation-vulindlela.
It outlines the following significant accomplishments:
- Reforms are under ongoing to create a competitive energy market, paving the path for private investment in power production for the first time.
- Clearing the backlog of water usage permits and redesigning the licence application system, so releasing billions of Rands for investment.
- Ending a more than ten-year wait in the auction of spectrum in high demand, so allowing for major new investment in telecoms.
- Facilitating the adoption of private sector involvement in container terminals in order to increase investment and enhance port operations’ efficiency.
- Conducting a thorough evaluation of the work visa system, with proposals to revamp the system and attract talent and investment.
- Published a new Critical Skills List for the first time since 2014, including new employment in IT and other skill-required industries.
- Adopted a new National Rail Policy to direct the modernization and reform of the rail industry, including the introduction of third-party rail network access.
- Developing and/or enacting laws to establish a transport economic regulator, restructure the electrical sector, and create the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency.
The Presidency said that the report also gives information on additional reforms that have been prioritised by Operation Vulindlela in order to encourage equitable economic development, such as adopting a devolution plan for passenger rail and clearing the backlog of title papers for subsidised housing.
»Progress report on the implementation of economic reforms of Operation Vulindlela«