Emerging from a meeting with representatives of government, business and civic society at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Zuma said the parties had agreed that spontaneous acts of intimidation and violence were affecting the economy.

“We call on workers who are engaged in unprotected strikes to return to work as soon as possible, and for production in the mining industry to normalise,” he said.

“We agreed that violence and intimidation must come to an end. These have no role in our system and simply have a negative effect,” said Zuma.

He said the Constitutionally enshrined right to protest must be exercised peacefully.

“We will not compromise on this. The parties fully support all lawful action by the justice, crime prevention and security cluster to stabilise communities and normalise daily lives across all communities,” he said.

The frustrations and challenges of workers had been taken note of, said Zuma.

He said legitimate grievances would be addressed.

Wednesday’s meeting was a follow-up, following the initial summit held on Friday. The meetings are aimed at discussing problems facing the South African economy.

The closed-door meeting was attended by several government and other officials, including Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, and Joseph Mathunjwa, president of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu).

The summit coincides with the annual International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

The day, officially recognised by the United Nations, is aimed at raising awareness of the need to eradicate poverty across the world.

A statement on the presidency’s website said the conference would discuss problems bedevilling South Africa emanating from slowing global economic growth, the industrial relations environment in the country, and the need to speed up the fight against poverty, inequality, and unemployment.

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Wed Jun 19 16:32:47 SAST 2013 ::

Oct 17, 2012

MommaC

Better late than never, I suppose. Geez but it takes our President a long time to find his mind so he can apply it.
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Oct 17, 2012

cornelius

JZ is obviously saying the right things here and must be commended, but one cannot help but feel that he no longer commands the authority that would enable him to appease the mineworkers, and make them understand that he does have their interests at heart, that the goverment will make sure that they are not being abused, i.e. paid a wage which is lower than what they can reasonably expect, etc, but that their methods are wrong, counter productive, unlawful, etc. JZ generally does not speak with enough passion, eloquence, charisma, and that is the kind of leader SA needs, a leader who can be inspirational to the people of his country. JZ falls far short of this.
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Oct 17, 2012

Zabaragast

Or what?!
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Oct 17, 2012

Showerhead

Oh come on now Mr President why dont you also go back home to Nkandla
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Oct 17, 2012

MaselaMaboea

go back where? to the slavery? I wish they do not go back unil those imperialist and showerman go and view the mine workers living and working conditions. Mr Zuma I think what you said is just a media stunt to impress white capitalist. just go to Zumaville and Malema will stand for the mineworkers
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Oct 17, 2012

moralett

Sorry Mr President this people must get what they request from they're employees. You want to improve Nkandla you do fight anyone, let them figth for their money. Mr President give them money that they want then they will work as normaly.
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Oct 18, 2012

bytheway1

MaselaMaboea

Uninformed remark. What people do not know is that mine workers get a housing allowance, which they choose to spend on other things whilst staying in shacks. It is your kind of mentality that is going to ruin thousands of your brothers. Your racist reference to 'white capitalist' is biased. It is just amazing how your type somehow wants to live in poverty and anarchy... it is as if you are destined for that (I do not believe in destiny). Luckily not all your brothers are as stupid as you. Thank God for that.
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