Johannesburg - The Presidential Business Working Group is worried that the end of the so-called mineral commodity super cycle will be a major constraint to South Africa’s economic growth, says Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies.
Some analysts have blamed the end of the super cycle on slowing growth in China.
Speaking to the media after the Presidential Business Working Group meeting held in Pretoria on Friday, Davies said the problem was now compounded by the surplus of steel on world markets.
This is also affecting South Africa.
“We cannot anticipate that there will be a return to the commodity super cycle anytime soon, not least because there are structural factors, including the change in the trajectory of growth in China.”
Davies said government would use the nine-point plan, announced by President Jacob Zuma earlier this year, to address challenges discussed in the meeting.
Government also presented to the meeting plans to grow the economy in areas that include industrialisation, infrastructure, innovation, investment, inclusion and integration.
Davies said the meeting also discussed the state of the mining economy and those who attended welcomed the announcement that Operation Phakisa would soon be implemented in the mining sector.
“Our economy is facing challenges; the growth rate is below what it ought to be.
“The inclusive growth levels are where they need to be, but at the same time we have been registering progress even in areas of attracting investment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mineral Resources Minister Advocate Ngoako Ramatlhodi has encouraged the mining industry to advance women’s rights and equal participation in the economy.
“That is the only way we can truly eradicate the challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment,” he said.
Ramatlhodi was speaking on Thursday at the Women in Mining Conference in Johannesburg, which was aimed at addressing occupational challenges faced by women in the industry, including safety and security.
“Women should fully participate in this important sector that has the potential to grow South Africa’s economy and thus improve the lives of all,” Ramatlhodi said.
The Department of Mineral Resources promotes the participation of women throughout the mining industry, from general workers right up to women in executive positions.
“We continuously encourage the industry to implement legislation that will protect and advance the cause of women,” Ramatlhodi said.
He said his department had adopted a number of strategies aimed at opening up the mining sector to previously disadvantaged individuals, especially women.
Ramatlhodi said women in the mining sector faced challenges that required all stakeholders to work together to create a conducive workplace for women.
Organised Labour representative Phumeza Mgenge highlighted some of the challenges faced by women in the mining sector, which included sexual harassment, fatalities, injuries and body protection gear that is too tight for women.
Mgenge said women were viewed by many as sex objects and the sector did not cater for women.
She encouraged women to educate themselves so they could be employed in executive positions in a sector which is historically dominated by men.
“We need to develop implementable results that will transform the industry and increase investment in line with the goals of the National Development Plan,” Ramatlhodi said.
He said South Africa had made great strides since 1994 in improving the status of women.
Prior to 1994, the South African Parliament had 2.7 percent representation of women. After the first democratic elections, women representation in the National Assembly stood at 27.7 percent.
In 1999, the figure rose to 30 percent and then grew to 32.7 percent in 2004.
After the 2009 general elections, women representation reached 42 percent and currently women comprise of 41 percent of the cabinet.
The Sunday Independent