FEDUSA

The meeting between the Social Partners, comprising of representatives from Government, Business, Organised Labour and Community met today at NEDLAC to further engage on the strategies and implementation of South Africa’s economic policy strategy, the New Growth Path (NGP). The purpose of this social dialogue was to refine and sign off the proposed draft accords pertaining to skills, basic education, small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and the green economy.

Ministers of the departments of Economic Development (DED) Higher Education and Training (DHET), Basic Education (DBE), Trade and Industry (DTI), as well as the deputy minister of Public Enterprises (DPE) were in attendance and spoke to their respective draft accords for discussion and adoption.

On the issue of improving skills development; the Social Partners committed to expand the level of training using existing facilities more effectively and in line with the goals of the NGP. Emphasis was placed on the need to attract students to FET Colleges with the guarantee of job placement after the completion of their training as well as the effective monitoring of training based subsides and encouraged.

Continue reading FEDUSA PLEASED WITH COMMITMENTS TO NEW GROWTH PATH

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) will be meeting with the Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel, this Saturday, at NEDLAC House. The purpose of this meeting between the Social Partners, comprising of Government, Business and Organised Labour, is to follow up on a number of issues and projects previously raised with regards to the New Growth Path (NGP), FEDUSA will be engaging around the green economy discussion with particular interest.

The board areas of discussion will revolve around skills development, basic education and the creation of a green economy for. “FEDUSA will raising a number of discussion points and suggestions pertaining to skills development and job creation, the development of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), local manufacturing, infrastructure development and green jobs,” stated FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George.

Continue reading FEDUSA WILL RAISE GREEN CONCERNS AT NEDLAC TOMORROW

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) is concerned that rising consumer inflation and slow economic growth may hamper South Africa’s New Growth Path (NGP) goal of creating 5 million jobs by 2020.

South Africa’s consumer inflation index (CPI) exceeded previous estimations this May registering a 4.6% year on year increase.

“As can be seen in the Statistics South Africa CPI release the food and non-alcoholic beverages grouping experienced the sharpest increase meaning that it is more expensive for our members to buy essential food items such as vegetables, oils, fats, bread, cereals, milk, eggs, cheese, and meat, “ said FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George.

Continue reading FEDUSA CONCERNED OVER FEWER JOBS AND HIGHER INFLATION

Professor Kader Asmal

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Professor Kader Asmal, who passed away yesterday.

The former Minister of Education and Water Affairs will be remembered as an example of what can be achieved with determination and commitment. “Not only did Prof Kader Asmal make enormous sacrifices for his beliefs of equality and freedom for all during the Apartheid era, but he combined his knowledge and experience to provide pertinent leadership in South Africa’s education and water affairs portfolios,” said FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George.

“He was not just a great intellectual with principles rooted in the idea of democracy for all, but he offered viable solutions, suggestions and strongly believed in open channels of communication.  Pre-1994, I remember Prof Asmal coming to give an address to all the Transnet workers in Saldanha Bay. He reinforced that workers rights were human rights and that democracy meant that all South Africans must have equal human rights. He then insisted on sitting with us and eating braaied snoek and drinking rooibos tea,” remembered George.

Continue reading FEDUSA REMEMBERS PROF KADER ASMAL