Speaker, on 17 October this year I announced a package of measures intended to address the widespread and unprocedural strikes in the mining sector, the violence associated with it as well as the economic slowdown that resulted from slower global growth.
The announcement followed a high-level dialogue on the economy with the National Economic Development and Labour Council, Nedlac, constituents, government, business, labour and the community sector.
The essential message that came out was the need to pool together our collective strength and resources and unite in action for the common good of our country.
Significantly, progress has been made since the dialogue. We have established a presidential taskforce on mining communities led by Minister Collins Chabane, which will look at human settlements, local economic development, transport as well as migrant labour issues in responding to the grievances and underlying causes of the strikes in mining towns.
We have seen a unified approach to responding to the labour issues since the dialogue. Union leaders have addressed meetings of workers to call on members to adhere to collective agreements and defend the collective bargaining system, whilst recognising the underlying grievances. A number of mining companies reversed decisions to dismiss workers and allowed for an orderly return to work, sometimes accompanied by negotiated settlements to grievances. At the height of the strikes in the mining sector, the Chamber of Mines estimated that 120 000 workers were on strike. Following these various interventions, this has been reduced to less than 30 000 workers who are still on strike, and negotiations are continuing. I must emphasise that the right of workers to strike and protest is constitutionally guaranteed. Our call is for this to be done within the framework of the law.
In the spirit of making a statement against inequality as proposed by the dialogue, Cabinet has committed to a salary freeze for the next 12 months for Ministers and Deputy Ministers. [Applause.] The Forum of SA Directors- General has in turn endorsed the call for a salary freeze for the directors- general. We now await the processes of consultation within the private sector regarding their executive salaries.
To promote the co-operation of all spheres of government, we have briefed provincial premiers, as well as district and local mayors of key mining towns. Since a number of accords were signed last year, we have also convened discussions with social partners about the implementation of commitments to the green economy, localisation and skills development.
One of the key problems identified in the Marikana area is the high level of debt by workers. The National Credit Regulator, together with the SAPS, has thus begun a crackdown on illegal and exploitative lending in the mining belt.
To promote improved living conditions and job creation, a number of infrastructure as well as community works programmes have been mainstreamed into the budget, as per announcements in the Medium-Term Budget Statement by the Minister of Finance.
We are encouraged by the co-operation we continue to receive from all the partners. We will continue to draw on the expertise and support of all partners in building our country. I thank you.