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.