Speaker and hon member, our task as government is to lay the foundations for long-term growth and job creation in a complex global environment where developments in other economies impact directly on local economic performance. Over the past few months, we have been faced by the twin challenges of slower growth, caused by a slowdown in the global economy, as well as unprocedural strikes in parts of the mining industry. Despite these difficulties, we remain focused on implementing our economic programmes aimed at achieving prosperity and a better life for all. We are building a thriving mixed economy, where the state, private capital, co-operatives and other forms of social ownership complement each other in an integrated way to eliminate poverty and foster shared economic growth.
The state of the nation address this year outlined that the central and most pressing challenges we face are unemployment, poverty and inequality. In responding to the three, we must simultaneously accelerate economic growth, which will assist us to create jobs, and promote dignity and social stability. Ministers regularly share with this House various aspects of the implementation of our economic programmes. To be able to achieve the prosperous society we seek, we need to, in summary, do the following: enhance growth and job creation; narrow inequality and the income gaps, especially between poor and upper-income groups, while expanding the ownership, control and management of the economy; continue improving the living conditions of poor communities; implement our economic and social policies more effectively; continue improving our education system and skills development; help small and medium-sized businesses to grow, employ and export. This should be done to sharpen the delivery of our infrastructure programme throughout the country and continue to deepen our fight against crime and corruption.
Economic transformation remains central to these programmes, in order to address the legacy of the past and promote reconciliation and growth. This includes promoting the ownership, control and management of the economy by black people, women, the youth and persons with disabilities. To respond in particular to the global economic slowdown and its impact locally, on 17 October I hosted a dialogue of Nedlac social partners to consider the current economic challenges we face. The programme of action arising from that session builds on the coherent broader vision set out in the National Development Plan and the complementary economic strategy contained in the New Growth Path.
In addition, on 25 October, the Minister of Finance tabled the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, which set out government's fiscal and economic policy for the next three years. In the long term, what we want the world to understand is that our biggest strength is the sound institutional framework of the country, built on the foundation of the Constitution. This framework has enabled resilience and makes South Africa capable of mediating the contradictions that sometimes become apparent in our young democracy.
We have held four national general elections, which have given practical expression to the country's commitment to democracy. We have a fully functional governance system with co-operation amongst the executive, the judiciary and the legislature. We have effective checks and balances, which include Chapter 9 institutions. All these ingredients provide a sound and stable environment in which we are implementing our socioeconomic programmes. I thank you. [Applause.]