Zuma allays fears

DURBAN is ready to host delegates to the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, but President Jacob Zuma is leaving nothing to chance.

He wants the government, labour and business to have a united approach to the threeday conference which starts on Wednesday and should see more than 1 000 delegates attend.

On Friday, Zuma met heads of business to discuss the approach the country would take during the event. Among the issues discussed were the nuclear build programme, which the president said would be implemented at a “scale and pace the country could afford”.

“The president appreciated the frankness and constructive spirit in which issues were raised. The parties agreed to meet soon to discuss the issues raised with a view to promoting unity in action in meeting challenges the country faces,” said spokesman for the presidency Bongani Ngqulunga.

At the meeting, Zuma allayed fears sparked by his recent cabinet reshuffle. Regarding economic policy changes in view of the appointment of new ministers, Zuma said the ANC finalised policies at a national conference every five years and the only possible differences would be in the style and emphasis of each minister.

The ANC will hold its national elective conference in December.

Also discussed was the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Bill which Zuma referred back to Parliament.

Just over a year ago, the National Assembly referred the Bill to the parliamentary portfolio committee on mineral resources to consider issues Zuma raised.

Meanwhile, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in Kwazulu-natal, Sihle Zikalala, said he was upbeat about the coming conference.

Zikalala, who is also the leader of government business in the provincial government, said Durban was well placed to host the calibre of delegates who were expected at the conference.

“The province of Kwazulunatal is known the world over for successfully hosting major events and the World Economic Forum on Africa will be no different.

“We have consistently proven we have the capacity and infrastructure to host world leaders since we boast some of the finest conferencing and hospitality facilities in the world,” he said.