This was the word from cabinet ministers and labour movement leaders yesterday at the signing of the accord.
The accord is the fourth and most comprehensive in a series of accords designed to give impetus to the government's New Growth Path announced last year that aims to create five million jobs and reduce unemployment from 25 to 15 percent over the next 10 years.
The others are pacts on skills development, basic education and local procurement.
The green economy accord, could create up to 300 000 jobs within a decade through:
l New investment and training in the green, low-carbon sectors.
l Major investment in rail transport for both commuters and freight.
l The installation of up to 1 million solar water heaters by 2014/15 and stimulation of this industry.
l Funding of R25 billion for other green industries by the Industrial Development Corporation.
The accord is described by the government as “part of an ambitious plan to shift the economy to a lower-carbon intensity while increasing jobs and industrial development".
It has been signed by 10 cabinet ministers, all three labour federations (Cosatu, Fedusa and Nactu), the business sector, including Business Unity South Africa (Busa), and community and civic organisations. Read the full report here.
Source: John Yeld, Environment & Science Writer, IOL, Cape Argus.
