Chairperson’s Address (from the 2006-2007 Annual Report)
It is exactly ten years since workers, business, government
and various civil society organisations gathered at the Presidential
Jobs Summit convened by President Mandela, to
find a workable solution to the unacceptable rate of unemployment
in South Africa. It was at that summit that all the role players
made a joint commitment to fight the scourge through monetary
contributions as well as through the creation of a stable
environment which would finally lead to the eradication of
unemployment.
To that end, workers agreed to contribute their one day’s
wages whilst business would also match the workers commitment
by contributing their one day’s investible income. Government
on the other hand made a commitment to assist in the creation
of a stable environment which would create enough employment.
The commitment made by all parties saw more than R89 million
in contributions.
The Job Creation Trust, established and mandated to implement
the resolution of the summit, is proud to report on this 10th
anniversary of the Presidential Job Summit that the majority
of the summit resolutions have been implemented and that the
Trust’s mandate is equally on course. As indicated to
it by the summit, the Trust has in the execution of its mandate,
concentrated on establishing cooperatives directed at the
youth, women and people who have lost their jobs. Again, as
dictated to it by the summit, the Trust implemented the majority
of projects in the rural areas.
To date more than 36 000 jobs have been created. The Trust
further concentrated on areas such as agriculture e.g. including
hydroponics, brick-making, etc. But although the majority
of the projects succeeded, some did not due to lack of skills,
individual greed and gender dominance. The Trust has now gained
experience which will be used to guide the existing and future
projects. The Trust has, as one of its main objectives, the
emphasis on accountability and responsible leadership in projects
and co-operatives.
The Trustees have recently resolved to take their mandate
of job creation to areas such as bio-fuels, multi-language
training for the youth from all the provinces with an eye
on them playing a role in 2010 and beyond. The Trust has further
resolved to implement Job Creation Trust housing (including
building, brick-laying and plumbing), Job Creation Trust Tourism,
Job Creation Trust Clean Water for Communities etc.
The Job Creation Trust recognizes as fact the point that
it can never work alone if it must succeed in the execution
of its mandate. It is on that basis that the Trust will continue
to approach Business, Government Departments, Seta’s
and other institutions in the execution of its mandate. The
Trust thanks institutions that already contributed to the
success of our work and hopes that they will continue to do
so.
Mr W.M. Madisha
Chairperson
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