Zuma must address unemployment: union

04/09/2012.President Jacob Zuma during the cabinet lekgotla that was held at SM Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria Picture: Masi Losi

04/09/2012.President Jacob Zuma during the cabinet lekgotla that was held at SM Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria Picture: Masi Losi

Published Feb 12, 2013

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Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma should tackle the problem of unemployment and job creation in his state-of-the-nation speech, the union Neasa said on Tuesday.

“It's important for the president to elaborate on government's efforts to encourage job creation,” National Employers Association of SA CEO Gerhard Papenfus said in a statement.

“All industries are losing jobs and unemployment is on the increase.”

Zuma will deliver his state-of-the-nation speech at the opening of Parliament on Thursday.

Papenfus said the country's collective bargaining and minimum wages had become a deterrent to job creation and job retention.

South Africa could not afford to lose jobs and then to introduce social schemes to sustain those that could otherwise have made an economic contribution.

“Our current structures of collective bargaining, minimum wages, and rigid labour laws are counterproductive and not conducive to address any of our national challenges,” he said.

“Neasa looks forward to the president setting a vision of a labour market that will make South Africa an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors.” - Sapa

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