BuaNews (Tshwane)
31 July 2008
Pretoria — Delivering a presentation at the Big Business Working Group, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel highlighted that the South African economy has created almost two million jobs since 2002.
"Finance Minister, Trevor Manuel, made a presentation on South Africa's economic prospects which illustrated, among others, the creation of almost two million jobs since 2002," said Presidential spokesperson, Mukoni Ratshitanga, Thursday.
Mr Manuel, he said, also explained that the economy has improved levels of fixed investment as a critical driver to future growth, but that low levels of domestic savings has necessitated the attraction of foreign savings.
"The presentation further noted the work done by government over the years, including the creation of fiscal space which affords the country the resources to manage the current adverse [economic] environment," said Mr Ratshitanga.
The working group agreed to setup a team to study the implications of recent reports on the South African economy such as the International Growth Advisory Panel, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the Growth and Development Commission.
Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula briefed the meeting on government's ongoing review of the Criminal Justice System.
"The meeting further reiterated the importance of communities' involvement in the fight against crime and called upon all South Africans to do everything practically and legally possible to stem the tide against crime," said the Presidential spokesperson.
The meeting further discussed the electricity situation in South Africa and the need to accelerate processes towards cogeneration, and the establishment of independent power producers.
More attention also needed to be given to communicating more effectively about the importance of saving electricity, the meeting noted.
In this regard, the Energy Champions led by Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will meet in Stellenbosch from 4 - 5 August 2008 to chart a programme which will be communicated to the rest of the country.
Business reported further progress on all Chief Executive Officers' commitment to invest in the skilling of their own employees while at the same time contributing to the national skills' pool.
"Work is also in progress to partner with schools and Further Education and Training colleges. Business will soon make public announcements in due course.
"Finally, the Presidency shared the highlights of the Draft Anti-Poverty Strategy on which all sectors of society will soon be consulted.
"Both government and business will further engage the Presidency on the strategy," said Mr Ratshitanga.
For more information on the Criminal Justice System and issues discussed at the recent Lekgotla, the public can access the post-Cabinet Lekgotla statement on: http://www.gcis.gov.za/media/interviews/080729.htm
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