Media Statement on the conclusion of the Social Dialogue Meeting on the State of the Economy

12 October 2012

Senior leaders in government, business, labour and community organisations, convened under the leadership of the President of the Republic, met this evening in Pretoria, to discuss the challenges South Africa faces, based on slowing global growth, the industrial relations environment in the country, and the need to speed up the fight against poverty, inequality as well as unemployment.

The constituents were led by the Presidents of Business Unity South Africa, the Black Business Council, Cosatu, Fedusa and Nactu; and the overall convenor of the community constituency at Nedlac. Ministers from the Economic and Security Clusters were present at the meeting.

The constituents agreed to take steps to improve public and investor confidence in the economy and to promote social stability, using their respective resources and capacities to build a partnership for development. The constituents underlined the importance of defending the values of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Thus, they emphasised the need not to deviate from collective bargaining in favour of short-term solutions which do not assist in the long run.

The meeting noted the wave of unprotected strikes that can undermine the legal framework of bargaining. The parties also spoke out strongly against and condemned the violence that has accompanied some of the strikes and public protests. They urged law enforcement agencies to act firmly to curb lawlessness and violence, within the framework of the law.

The meeting welcomed the end of the truck driver's strike and welcomed efforts to resolve the strikes in the platinum, gold and coal mining industries. They will cooperate strongly to make these a success.

Support was expressed for the Marikana Commission of Inquiry and the parties urged people to participate freely, and for law enforcement agencies to assist in ensuring the right environment for people to participate, with the support of the community.

The parties noted the impact of the economic situation on the poor and the working class in the country and the need to address socio-economic and social cohesion issues, including income disparities. The parties agreed to use the terms of the 2009 Framework for the country's response to the international economic crisis.

In particular, they agreed to incorporate the lessons that were learnt in the implementation during the 2009-2011 period and to fast-track its relevant provisions as appropriate. A draft framework for responding to the situation was tabled by government. The parties will engage on the document through a joint committee of the constituencies.

The parties will reconvene on Wednesday, the 17th of October to finalise the discussions.

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, October 12 2012

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