Economic indaba slams violent strikes
2012-10-13 10:02
Pretoria - Law enforcement agencies were urged to act firmly and avoid lawlessness which has often accompanied wage disputes, Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Minister Collins Chabane said on Friday.
Briefly outlining the resolutions of an economic forum in Pretoria, Chabane said delegates had strongly denounced the violence.
"The parties spoke out strongly against, and condemned the violence that has accompanied some of the strikes and public protests," he said.
"They urged law enforcement agencies to act firmly to curb lawlessness and violence within the framework of the law."
The meeting was attended by several government ministers and officials, labour representatives, including Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and president Sidumo Dlamini, and Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa) general secretary Dennis George.
Officials from Business Unity SA and the Black Business Council were also present. The talks lasted until after 22:00.
Chabane said the parties from the government, business and labour had agreed to take measures to improve investor confidence in the South African economy.
The parties had also voiced support for the judicial commission of inquiry into the shootings at Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana.
"The parties urged people to participate freely and for law enforcement agencies to assist in ensuring the right environment for the people to participate with the support of the community," he said.
A follow-up meeting would be held on Wednesday "to finalise the discussions", said Chabane.
- SAPA
