Corporate Youth Jan. / Feb. 2014 | Page 37

Understanding the N D P By: Koketso Seloane With unemployment levels still at a staggering 24.7% as of the last quarter of 2013 (Stats SA), there has been an unsettled response from economists about the sustainability of South Africa’s economy and the ability to overcome poverty through job creation. In a survey of 60 countries conducted by Bloomberg, South Africa has the third-highest unemployment rate. One of the measures being implemented is the National Development Plan which was introduced at Mangaung. What is the NDP? The National Development plan is an initiative implemented by government to eradicate poverty and reduce the margins of inequality by 2030. “Just how will this be achieved?”, you may ask. By the introduction of a third sector called the Social Economy which will have a distinct focus on creating employment as a solution to the above-mentioned issues that plague South Africa and Africa at large. The plan will also support the growth of agro-processing and mining and small businesses,