Tripartite alliance said job creation should be primary focus

By Mikhaila Crowie
19 October 2008

An economic summit of the tripartite alliance has concluded that the creation of decent work for all South Africans must be the primary focus of all economic policies.

The African National Congress, South African Communist Party and Congress of South African Trade Unions met to discuss economic policy in the run up to next year’s election.

They say the aim must be to create five-million new jobs despite the global economic crisis’ impact on South Africa's economic growth prospects.

The alliance says this will require a major shift and upscaling of industrial policy with significant additional resources.

It will require, among others, a discussion on the mandate and practices of the South African Reserve Bank.

The summit noted with concern the high levels of executive pay in the corporate sector as well as the huge income inequalities in the labour market.

It advocates the extension of child-support grants to 15- to 18-years-olds. It also expressed concern about the country’s ability to fight crime.