The paper sets out an institutional framework for planning and describes the outputs of planning. A National Planning Commission is proposed, consisting of respected intellectuals and experts outside of government. It would work under the guidance of the Minister in The Presidency for National Planning to produce a long term plan for South Africa. Only the
Executive can take policy decisions that are binding on government. So the minister must facilitate close interaction between the commission and the Executive. A secretariat, based in The Presidency, will support the commission’s work. The minister would also lead
interaction with broader civil society on the development of the plan. The key outputs of planning include the development of a long term vision and plan for South Africa. The Presidency, led by the Minister in The Presidency for National Planning, will produce a Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) every five years. The MTSF will be more detailed than it has been until now, complete with high level outcomes and targets
for priority functions. These outcomes and targets will be a key input into the performance management component of The Presidency’s work. The annual Programme of Action will be derived from the MTSF. There will also be a series of papers on thematic, cross-cutting areas that impact on development and on government’s policies; areas on which The Presidency will provide ongoing leadership.