The NPC developed the long term vision and strategic plan for SA contained in the National Development Plan and plays an advisory role in its implementation.
The National Planning Commission congratulates NPC Commissioner Ravi Naidoo, CEO of the Youth Employment Service, on his appointment to the Advisory Board of the South African Artificial Intelligence Association.
This appointment comes at an important moment for South Africa. Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant technological issue. It is already shaping the future of work, productivity, skills, innovation and economic participation.
The National Development Plan calls for a South Africa that expands opportunity, strengthens human capabilities and builds an economy that is more inclusive, innovative and employment-creating. Responsible AI must be part of that conversation.
Through initiatives such as the YES-Microsoft AI Skills Hub for Africa and the YES-Capitec AI and Digital Skills Hub, young South Africans are being supported to access digital and AI-related skills linked to employability and the future economy.
Commissioner Naidoo’s appointment adds an important development lens to the national AI conversation: how South Africa can use emerging technologies not only to improve competitiveness, but also to widen access, deepen inclusion and create pathways for young people into future-facing sectors.
As the NPC continues to reflect on the country’s long-term development path, the responsible and inclusive use of AI will be critical to ensuring that technological change serves people, society and sustainable development.
Congratulations, Commissioner Naidoo.
#NDP2030 #ResponsibleAI #YouthEmployment #DigitalSkills #InclusiveGrowth
As South Africa advances implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030, international partnerships remain critical to addressing complex development challenges. As the NDP notes, “South Africa belongs to a world that is deeply interconnected.”
National Planning Commissioners Prof Hope Magidimisha-Chipungu and Mark Swilling are participating in the Global Partnerships Conference in London as part of the South African delegation led by Minister Ramokgopa.
The conference brings together leaders from government, finance, innovation, philanthropy and civil society to explore collaborative approaches to inclusive development, sustainability and shared global priorities. Discussions are focused on improving access to finance, accelerating access to technology and strengthening locally led development solutions.
Commissioner Mark Swilling also participated in a closed roundtable discussion on financing, where he shared reflections on sustainable development, transformative investment approaches and equitable financing solutions in the context of current global development challenges.
The participation of the Commissioners reflects the NPC’s ongoing commitment to long-term planning, strategic partnerships and global knowledge exchange in support of South Africa’s development objectives.
#NDP2030 #GlobalPartnerships #SustainableDevelopment
Congratulations to NPC Commissioner Dr Tshepo Feela on his appointment to the Independent Expert Review Panel that will support the review of South Africa’s Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy.
The panel, announced by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, will help ensure that the revised policy is evidence-based and aligned with South Africa’s development priorities. Dr Feela joins a group of experts spanning AI research, law and governance.
Dr Feela has also been central to the NPC’s work on digital infrastructure, including his role in the Digital Infrastructure Investment Study, which foregrounds the importance of moving beyond simple connectivity access towards universal and meaningful access.
This work speaks directly to the National Development Plan’s call for inclusive growth, expanded opportunity and a capable state that can respond to a changing technological environment.
The NPC also continues to reflect on the implications of artificial intelligence for long-term planning, including through work that will help inform the next Commission.
We congratulate Dr Feela and wish him well in this important national assignment.
#NDP2030 #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #TechPolicy
Adolescent pregnancy remains one of South Africa’s most urgent public health, education and socio-economic challenges.
The National Planning Commission, in collaboration with the Human Sciences Research Council and the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, invites academics, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and interested stakeholders to an academic webinar on:
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN (NSP) ON ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Date: 14 May 2026
Time: 12:00
Platform: Microsoft Teams
Scan the QR code on the invitation to register.
The National Development Plan (NDP) reminds us that young people must be supported to “live the lives they desire”. For many adolescent girls, early pregnancy can interrupt education, limit future opportunities and deepen existing social and economic vulnerabilities. The burden, particularly in vulnerable communities, remains high.
The webinar will critically engage the emerging NSP, strengthen the evidence base and contribute practical recommendations on prevention, reducing adverse outcomes, coordination, financing and accountability.
#NDP2030 #AdolescentPregnancy
👏Congratulations to National Planning Commissioner Ravi Naidoo on being named Job Creation Leader of the Year 2026 at the South African Future of Leadership Awards! This recognition speaks directly to one of South Africa’s most urgent development priorities: expanding access to meaningful work, especially for young people.
The NDP identifies employment, inclusive growth and youth opportunity as central to building the South Africa we want.
Commissioner Naidoo’s work in the youth employment space reflects the kind of leadership, partnership and practical implementation needed to move these priorities forward.
The National Planning Commission recognises and celebrates this achievement.
#NDP2030
The Public Service Amendment Act matters because it starts to separate administration from day to day politics. The NDP has long argued that a capable state depends on stability and professionalism. The real test is whether this improves how the state functions in practice. #NDP
📢 New Laws Signed to Strengthen Public Service 🇿🇦
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially signed into law the Public Administration Management Amendment Act, 2025 and the Public Service Amendment Act, 2025.
These important reforms are aimed at improving accountability, strengthening governance, and enhancing service delivery across government.
Key improvements include improved accountability and management, clearer roles across leadership, better systems for hiring and performance, as well as measures to recover overpayments.
💼 Together, these changes support the vision of building a capable, ethical, and responsive public service that works for all South Africans.
Read More: https://t.co/kPZTC2pzkS
#BetterGovernance #PublicService #ANationThatWorks #GovZAUpdates
A key message emerging from the study is: connectivity alone is not enough. South Africa must move beyond access towards meaningful use, where digital infrastructure is affordable, usable and capable of supporting participation in the economy. https://t.co/rX6DHwhqA4
In partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), we have released 'South Africa’s Digital Connectivity Investment Roadmap to 2035', a strategic study focused on the future of digital infrastructure and its role in economic growth.
@ravi_naidoo from the National Planning Commission (NPC) shared insights on South Africa’s fuel vulnerability and the broader imperative of energy security.
https://t.co/AVmL1KiBkZ
From now to 2030, every major reform, budget decision, infrastructure investment and policy initiative should be tested against a single question: Does this move us closer to the South Africa we want?