Busa, Cosatu to tackle SA's economic ills

Johannesburg - Business Unity SA (Busa) and Cosatu said on Wednesday that they have agreed on a joint programme of action on several aspects of the economy, including basic education, skills development and the role of small, medium and micro enterprises in job creation.

Issues related to preferential procurement and the need to explore ways of counteracting corruption were also agreed to by the two bodies, which met at Nedlac.

The Cosatu delegation was led by general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and the Busa delegation by its president, Futhi Mtoba.

The meeting was aimed at finding solutions and common ground on the triple crisis of poverty, unemployment and skills development.

"Busa and Cosatu shared a deep concern about the weakening economy in SA and the deteriorating global economic situation. It was agreed that it had become necessary to revisit the measures embodied in SA's earlier response to the previous economic global crisis in 2009, and identify any new steps that may be needed to address the latest developments," the parties said in a joint statement.

They have agreed to intensify the artisan development programme and to assist poorly-performing schools.

They also agreed to support existing anti-corruption initiatives to curb the scourge of corruption in the private and public sectors. The two groups will also work together to sign an integrity pact, which aims to cultivate ethical behaviour in the private and public sectors.

The joint meeting also discussed the humanitarian crisis in Somalia and agreed that both parties would support programmes geared towards mobilising resources to aid the Somali people, including declaring a national day of action on Somalia.

Several task teams have been mandated to expedite outcomes on all the agreed projects and programmes.