Cape Town - Government has declared 2011 as the year of job creation.
Delivering the State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday, President Jacob Zuma said this would be done through meaningful economic transformation and inclusive growth.
"We have introduced a New Growth Path that will guide our work in achieving these goals, working within the premise that the creation of decent work is at the centre of our economic policies," President Zuma said.
"Our goal is clear. We want to have a country where millions more South Africans have decent employment opportunities, which has a modern infrastructure and a vibrant economy and where the quality of life is high."
He said all South Africans had a responsibility to work hard to make this a reality.
"Everyone must think of how they can contribute to the jobs campaign through creating opportunities for themselves and others."
Amongst others, government will:
* Establish a jobs fund of 9 billion rand over the next three years to finance new job-creation initiatives.
* Set aside R20 billion in tax allowances or tax breaks to promote investments, expansions and upgrades in the manufacturing sector.
* Continue to provide financial and non-financial support to small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), small scale agriculture as well as cooperatives.
* Finalise and adopt the beneficiation strategy as the official policy of government, so that we can start reaping the full benefits of our commodities.
In addition, the Industrial Development Corporation has set aside R10 billion over the next five years for investment in such economic activities with a high jobs potential.
Government has also endorsed the African Exploration, Mining and Finance Corporation as the State Owned Mining Company that will undertake the mining of minerals of strategic significance.
All government departments will align their programmes with the job creation imperative. The provincial and local government spheres have also been requested to do the same.
Zuma said Government welcomed the undertaking by Parliament to monitor the adherence to the call to prioritise job creation.
