Mashatile urges NEDLAC to intensify its fight against poverty, inequality and unemployment
Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) has, over the past 30 years, assisted in alleviating unemployment, economic inequity and poverty through inclusive economic development.
The Deputy President, however, acknowledged the council’s responsibility to address the current systematic challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality that continue.
During his keynote address at NEDLAC's 30th Annual Summit in Johannesburg on Friday — Mashatile said it is concerning that the country was still grappling with the same challenges that were addressed by Former President Nelson Mandela during NEDLAC’s 4th Annual Summit.
The Deputy President added that under the newly revised Labour Law Equity Act, published in April this year, the government was determined to address the slow pace of transformation in the workplace.
He called for the country to create a society that has equal opportunity for all South Africans, regardless of race, gender, or colour.
Mashatile highlighted the latest quarterly labour force statistics, revealing an unemployment rate of 42.9%, with women making up a large percentage.
He said that United States tariff hikes which were recently imposed will continue to threaten jobs in the agriculture, automotive industry, manufacturing, and mining sectors.
“That is why NEDLAC must continue to intensify its effort to provide oversight for job summit agreements, support small and medium-sized businesses and youth entrepreneurs, develop sector-specific interventions, and ensure labour market policies that promote inclusive growth and decent work," Mashatile said.
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