Pretoria - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says economic challenges facing South Africa should be seen as a great opportunity to save and create new jobs.
The Deputy President was delivering the keynote address at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) Annual Summit 2015, in Pretoria, on Friday.
The Deputy President called on the community, labour and business to act together to sustain South Africa’s economy, and save jobs.
He said the current economic challenges do not affect government alone but also the community, labour and business. He also said Nedlac is vital in that it brings together all affected constituencies to solve the challenges.
He called on the summit to focus discussions more on energy issues.
Opening the summit in the morning, Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant said social dialogue is vital to address socio-economic challenges facing South Africa today, and Nedlac provides a platform for that.
“The challenges we face as people require creativity and foresight as we have done in the past,” she said.
Jabu Mabuza, who spoke on behalf of the business sector, said business is deeply concerned about South African economic growth.
Bheki Ntshalintshali, who represented organised labour, said the debate should not only be about saving jobs but about how to create more jobs. Ntshalintshali said violence in society should also be addressed.
Today, Nedlac will review its activities for the 2014/15 financial year and set priorities for the 2015/2016 financial year.
It is expected that panellists will discuss issues around energy, giving their views on international experiences of energy delivery.
The Deputy President is expected to deliver closing remarks at the end of the Summit. - SAnews.gov.za
National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) Annual Summit
