Manuel spells out plan

THE National Planning Commission, led by its chairperson Trevor Manuel, visited the Free State on Tuesday.

The aim of the visit was to present a mandate from President Jacob Zuma to Free State government officials to develop a long-term vision and national strategic plan for South Africa.

The officials, led by Premier Ace Magashule, also included MECs , mayors, municipal managers and senior public servants from the province.

Manuel was accompanied by commissioners Pascal Moloi, Mike Muller, Chris Malikane and Vincent Maphai.

Magashule said he was happy with the visit by Manuel and his team. He said the province would contribute to making South Africa great.

"The purpose has been to explain the thinking of the NPC and provide South Africans with an opportunity to make inputs. We have been afforded an opportunity and we must use it.

"But it is also up to us to solve the problems we face. We must do what is right as government, business and labour," Magashule said.

Manuel, presented the commission's overview and elements of the vision statement. Concerns were raised about corruption and what measures were being proposed to deal with it.