Job losses revealed at Gauteng Economic Indaba conference
14:10 / 8 JUN 2016
JOHANNESBURG, June 8 (ANA) – Gauteng Premier David Makhura told the Gauteng Economic Indaba on Wednesday that in the first quarter of 2016 the province lost 195 000 jobs due to the economic downturn.
Makhura said: “We have seen a lot of growth that has not resulted in job creation over the past 20 years. Youth unemployment remains a big challenge. We need to have solutions on what can be done to upscale initiatives, give hope to the youth”.
The premier indicated that part of the plan was to have 10 million people employed in the next 14 years. And also bring more black people into the mainstream economy.
The two-day conference which started on Wednesday was attended by, among other high profile individuals, African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“We don’t want an economy which is not empowering people, young people are becoming impatient, black women have also been waiting for too long,” said Makhura.
The premier said the key was to revitalise the township economy and create economic growth free of racism.
Addressing the conference, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said people were tired of promises and were demanding action. He said they don’t want plans they want action.
“We need to convert ideas into implementation … we will only learn through doing things practical if we are right or wrong,” Gordhan said.
He said the current state of the economy needs to be “re-engineered by building on our strengths” and creating a good environment for business.
Gordhan also spoke about challenges that impede the growth of the economy which include poor skills, electricity constraints and inadequate transport and telecoms infrastructure.
He also said inequality and lack of access to high quality education compounds poverty and unemployment.
“We have a clear vision on where want to be … we should build a constructive and bold leadership from all sectors and forget differences,” said Gordhan.
A draft economic development plan in line with the National Development Plan is expected to be compiled after the two-day conference.
African News Agency