Poverty alleviation Zuma’s top priority

2009-06-03 11:20

President Jacob Zuma (Werner Beukes, Sapa) (Werner Beukes)

Cape Town - The fight against poverty remains the cornerstone of government's focus, President Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday.

Presenting his maiden State of the Nation address in Parliament, Zuma said creating decent work would be at the centre of economic policies and would influence investment attraction and job-creation initiatives.

Government wanted to create about 500 000 new work opportunities by December this year.

He also promised to reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses.

Inequalities

Zuma further pledged to reduce inequalities in health care provision, boost human resource capacity, revitalise hospitals and clinics, and step up the fight against HIV/Aids, TB, and other diseases.

Transforming the judiciary would address key issues such as enhancing judicial independence, entrenching internal systems of judicial accountability, as well as ensuring full access to justice by all.

Zuma promised to work for unity in diversity and develop a shared value system, based on the spirit of community solidarity and a caring society.

"Our shared value system should encourage us to become active citizens in the renewal of our country. We must build a common national identity and patriotism," he said.

- SAPA