Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma's state-of-the-nation speech lacked detail and a vision to tackle unemployment and job creation, an employer body said on Friday.
“His address lacked a clear vision or fresh ideas on how to tackle the challenge of unemployment and job creation,” the National Employers' Association of SA said in a statement.
“While President Zuma spoke at length about government's infrastructure roll-out plan, there was no acknowledgement of current obstacles to employment, which unless addressed appropriately will always stand in the way of any initiative to create jobs.”
The association said the proposed youth wage subsidy was not sustainable in the long run.
“We welcome any indication that government will scrap the notion of a youth subsidy. We need to create an environment which attracts business and job opportunities.”
Government's efforts to bring stability to the mining sector were also welcomed.
“We are especially delighted with the fact that the president laid to rest speculation around possible nationalisation of mines. This will go a long way to reassure current and future investors.” - Sapa