Negative statements hurt the economy: Zuma
President Jacob Zuma on Friday appealed to South Africans to refrain from making negative statements about the country which could end up jeopardising job creation and growth.
The President met with business and labour at the Union Buildings to discuss efforts to try and avoid a credit ratings downgrade.
Politicians, labour and the business fraternity have all urged South Africans to convey a positive message about the country.
President Zuma said government and business leaders must refrain from using public platforms to create a negative perception of South Africa, since it hurts confidence in the economy.
"We appeal to all in the country to refrain from public utterances that promotes a negative narrative about the country, which undermines confidence in the country and jeopardise job creation and inclusive growth," Zuma said.
Zuma, however, said the public spat between the Hawks and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan was not discussed.
"I don't think that was an item on the agenda for this meeting, but there was an indication that the manner in which the narrative has been going - negative in the country, we should all not continue with that to allow the efforts that we are doing to succeed," Zuma said.