BuaNews (Tshwane)
Tumelo Modisane
12 May 2005
Midrand — Deputy President Jacob Zuma says the mining sector must not ignore positives that are gained in mining, and must use these to protect jobs within the industry.
He said although the mining industry shed about 10 000 jobs during the 2003/2004 financial year, the platinum mining sector created more than 20 000 jobs during the same period.
The Deputy President was addressing the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) central committee in Johannesburg today.
"We therefore need to ensure that the positives that are gained in one sector of the mining industry benefit other sectors which are experiencing difficulties," said Mr Zuma.
Mr Zuma highlighted that there had been a move by government to progressively transform the country's economy to ensure that all citizens were able to participate fully and enjoy the benefits.
"The strategies of bridging the gap between the first and second economies in our country should be seen within that context," said Deputy President Zuma.
The second economy interventions include the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and an agricultural credit scheme for emerging farmers where R100 million has been transferred to provinces in Farmer Support Programmes.
Among other interventions is the APEX Fund for micro-credit for very small businesses that will be launched in Motswedi in the North West tomorrow.
The Deputy President also cited the Cooperatives Act, and the new Cooperative Banks Bill and Dedicated Banks Bill as examples of laws amended to encourage the promotion of cooperatives and banking services for the poor.
"For us to make a decisive impact on these programmes, it is critical that we achieve the six percent growth rate we are aiming for. In this regard, the partnership between labour, government and business is of utmost importance," said Mr. Zuma.
Deputy President Zuma also emphasised the need to accelerate skills development within the workplace, this in response to globalisation and to ensure that South Africa's economy has the skills it needs to grow.
The Deputy President also encouraged the NUM to look at ways of enhancing relationships with other labour movements in the SADC to encourage meaningful worker participation in the socio-economic development of our region and in the fight against poverty and underdevelopment.
The NUM's central committee is looking at the challenges facing the industry, namely, job losses and the soon to start wage negotiations.
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