Zuma ‘concerned’ global crisis could hit SAfrican economy
Ruling ANC party leader Jacob Zuma said Saturday he was concerned the
global economic slump would hurt South Africa’s economy and promised to
find ways to protect jobs.
“We are concerned about the potential impact of the global economic
crisis,” Zuma said shortly after election authorities confirmed the
victory of his African National Congress in Wednesday’s general
elections.
“We will work with all stakeholders, especially business and labour,
to find ways to prevent and cushion our people against job losses and
other difficulties that may arise,” he said in a nationally televised
speech.
Zuma took control of the African National Congress in December 2007
on the back of strong support from the labour movement and the communist
party, which has raised speculation of a left-leaning tilt in the new
government.
Zuma, who is now set to be elected president when parliament convenes
on May 6, sought to reassure the public that the new administration
would offer continuity.
“There will be no surprises in the next administration’s programme of
action,” he said. |