Zuma responds to banks, business leaders

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma has noted reports on an advertisement put out by business CEOs and chairs of companies in their individual capacities over the weekend on the state of the country and the economy, the presidency said.

It was reported that banks had warned the ANC to be aware of the implications of its policy decisions at the upcoming Mangaung conference.

"The bottom line is, if (ANC delegates) take incorrect decisions on mining, land and agriculture, it has an impact on us," said Banking Association of SA MD Cas Coovadia.

"The Presidency welcomes inputs into the discussions on how to build the economy and in particular ensure labour absorbing growth that will take us further in dealing with poverty, inequality and unemployment.

The president and government remain open to discussions with business at any given time because building South Africa is a collective responsibility and all sectors have an important role to play.

The president will continuously engage business in the New Year as this sector is critical to the imperative of growing the economy and creating jobs and a better life for all," the presidency said in a statement.

The business sector was also crucial to the implementation of the National Development Plan, the presidency said.