Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has assured members of the National Planning Commission (NPC) that they have the full support of Cabinet and that government will not interfere with their work.
The 25 commissioners, led by chairperson and Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel, met for their inaugural meeting on Tuesday in which they were all handed certificates of appointment by Zuma.
The NPC, which includes former Eskom chairman Bobby Godsell, businessman and ANC heavyweight Cyril Ramaphosa, former head of the policy unit in the Presidency Joel Netshitenzhe and academic Marcus Balintulo among others, is expected to advice government on a range of issues including climate change, food security and energy security. It will be required to put forward solid research and clear recommendations for government that will guide South Africa's long term development goals.
Zuma said the commissioners represent the wealth of the country's knowledge in a diversity of fields that were indicative of the nation's strength.
"For the first time in our country's history we will begin to chart our way forward in a purposeful manner with a view to the country's long term interests.
"Your acceptance of this position is reflective of a strong commitment by our citizens to serve their country and contribute towards making South Africa a better place," Zuma said.
He said the mandate of the commission would be to take a broad, cross-cutting, independent and critical view of South Africa.
"This will no doubt lead to an improved performance in government. By involving wider society in its work it will rally the nation around a common vision," he said.
He added that the commission should not be apologetic or want to do favours for government.
"We are not looking at a commission that will do for favors for government you must be independent in your work," he said.
