President Ramaphosa Leads Cabinet Lekgotla To Review Government Priorities, Set Agenda

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday called a Cabinet Lekgotla with leaders from all levels of government to review progress on government priorities, identify challenges and set goals for the seventh administration.

The plan outlines three main priorities: promoting inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and addressing the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental State.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the government is finalizing the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) for 2024-2029, SA News reported.

The government is focusing on taking practical actions to fulfill the promises made and setting clear timeframes to achieve the priorities of the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP). A report from the National Treasury was also shared, covering the economic and global outlook, which will help guide the government's planning.

The government is looking at reforms for global institutions, especially the United Nations security system and international funding bodies. Other areas of focus include providing financial support for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and addressing the issue of the "missing middle."

This refers to students whose household income is too high to qualify for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) support but too low to afford tertiary education without help.

The Cabinet Lekgotla is taking place on Jan. 29 and 30 at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria. The outcomes of the meeting will help shape the government's policies and programs, which will be announced by the President during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Feb. 6.

Since the seventh administration is part of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which includes 10 political parties, the meeting will focus on the country's interests rather than party politics.

The discussions will be held by Cabinet members and provincial representatives, all working for the country's benefit. The meeting will also cover preparations for South Africa's presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20), with a report on the logistics and content of the government's goals for the summit.

South Africa holds the G20 Presidency from Dec. 1, 2024, to Nov. 30, 2025, with the theme: "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability." This marks the fourth consecutive Presidency from an emerging market and the first from Africa.

It also follows the African Union's admission as the second permanent African member. The G20 was created to address key global economic and financial challenges. The group represents about 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade.