OPERATION VULINDLELA BY JESSIE TAYLOR
A
t the heart of plans to drive economic growth in South Africa are a series of reforms, targeting key industries such as electricity, water, transport and telecommunications.
The reforms, to be implemented under a specialised unit called Operation Vulindlela, will aim to address structural problems in South Africa’s economy – and are already starting to show success. “The South African economy, like any other economy, cannot function, let alone grow, without efficient and competitive network industries,” says President Cyril Ramaphosa. “Structural problems in these areas have long been cited as some of the main constraints on South Africa's economic growth.” TRANSFORMING NETWORK INDUSTRIES Operation Vulindlela is the joint delivery unit of the Presidency and National Treasury. The unit, which was established in October 2020, seeks to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery. Operation Vulindlela aims to modernise and transform network industries, including electricity, water, transport and digital communications. These network industries form the foundation of an internationally competitive economy. Under Operation Vulindlela, 19 priority reforms have been identified. While government departments drive these reforms, Operation Vulindlela monitors and identifies challenges and blockages. These reforms are expected to place South Africa on a new trajectory of high and sustained economic growth, creating new opportunities for investment. Of the reforms proposed under Operation Vulindlela, eight are completed and 11 are on track. Some of the successes of Operation Vulindlela include the completion of the spectrum auction process, the introduction of an e-visa system, and increased reforms in the energy sector.
30 | Public Sector Leaders | June 2022
