Mbeki applauded at Summit
2003-06-07 12:39
Midrand - President Thabo Mbeki was applauded when he arrived at the Growth and Development Summit at Midrand on Saturday, with high hopes among the 300 delegates that the long-awaited meeting will give fresh impetus to job creation efforts.
Among the national government ministers who arrived at the Gallagher Estate conference centre were Membathisi Mdladlana (labour), Trevor Manuel (finance), Alec Erwin (trade), Valli Moosa (environmental affairs and tourism) and Manto Tshabalala-Msimang (health).
Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa and the director-general of finance, Maria Ramos, were also present.
Mbeki will witness the signing of a document many hope will be the blueprint for South Africa's economic and social recovery. He is scheduled to address the summit later in the morning.
The content of the document follows a directive by the president that all major players from government, labour, business and civil society draw up strategies for revitalising the economy and creating jobs.
In the run-up to the summit, representatives from a number of organisations have worked to reach consensus on the various issues.
Speaking to Sapa shortly before the official programme began, Moosa said he was "delighted" with the consultative process that led up to the summit and this director-general had been heavily involved in discussions.
"Tourism is one area that can only work if there is synergy," Moosa said.
Petronella Linders, who is representing Disabled People SA at the summit, told Sapa there was provision in the final agreement for more jobs, greater equity, skills development as well as a code of good practice for the inclusion of the disabled in the workplace.
She said: "We asked for specific targets for skills development and got that, so that's a step in the right direction."
Outside the conference centre meanwhile, at least two groups of protesters -- one from the Treatment Action Campaign and another from the Anti-Privatisation Forum - braved the cold and mounted small pickets in the hope of catching the attention of the high-profile delegates.
- SAPA