Johannesburg - Business, labour and community have at the 21st NEDLAC Annual Summit in Johannesburg committed to continue to collaborate with government to grow the South African economy and create more jobs.
The National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) constituencies gathered in Johannesburg on Friday. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the event.
Representing business, Jabu Mabuza, said the reality of South Africa’s economy is that it is not growing at a sufficient pace to deliver jobs, education services and hope to the citizens.
“The implications of these are clear and have manifested themselves in many demands for affordable education and steadily expanding government debt to a ratio of about 50:1 amongst others,” he said.
He said NEDLAC has to turn its attention where it matters most - the economy.
Business as usual will clearly not achieve desired outcomes, said Mabuza, adding that the social partners need to work together on innovative solutions to see an economy that delivers to all South Africans.
He said this will only be realised through leadership from all social partners and all sides must be willing to make bold concessions and sacrifices.
Laura Kganyago, who spoke at the summit on behalf of the community constituency, said it is rare to find her kind of constituency sitting at a summit like NEDLAC with government, labour and business, anywhere in the world.
She highlighted unemployment, problems in the mining sector and qualified youth who cannot find jobs, among other things, as some of the problems that affect communities.
“We need to look into a focused strategy or structure programmes that will allow us to look into the problems of marginalised groups, like people living with disabilities, women and youth,” she said.
Labour constituency leader, Bheki Ntshalintshali, said the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality need an extra effort in order to be addressed.
Ntshalintshali said the summit was this year held to re-commit to paying attention to the work of NEDLAC. - SAnews.gov.za
