Zuma wants amicable wage talks

"Wage negotiations around this time are not an unusual occurrence, nor is the resorting to strike action. This happens every year," Zuma told black businessmen at the Sandton Convention Centre on Thursday.

"Due to the current economic conditions, these negotiations may be more difficult this year.

"Employers and workers must negotiate in good faith and be prepared to understand each other's position," he said. Zuma wished all negotiating parties a speedy resolution, so that life could "normalise" for employers and workers alike.

He expressed concern over the service delivery protests which have erupted across the country.

Acknowledging that there were service problems in some areas, Zuma said this was the reason many government departments had been reconfigured and to improve the way they functioned. "We are putting systems in place to create a more responsive and more effective government," he said.

Zuma said the government would always listen to the people's concerns and would work with communities to address the problem. "We will always do that. We will govern with people."

Reiterating the government's stance on broad based black economic empowerment (BBBEE), Zuma said its framework was sound and that the country had a BBBEE policy which was "adequate, inclusive and balanced."

However, he said its implementation and communication needed to be "sharpened".

Also present at the event was Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane and various other ministers and deputy ministers.