At the same time the workers involved in implementing and maintaining these projects have a major contribution to make - it is often the frontline workers who have the most acute insights into how a job can be done better. We believe in empowering front line workers, because their skills and insights give them a leading role in restructuring public sector operations. It is also their contribution to improving productivity and creating a client centred service that will assist the massive expansion in services that our people require. Organised labour also has a crucial role to play in directing the resources of worker controlled pension funds. We have been impressed by the success of these initiatives in broadening access for workers to the economy, and believe that government must support the extension of such programmes through a facilitatory framework.
Unions therefore have a critical role to play in the infrastructure investment program.
Communities must shape their own destinies through their democratic institutions of local governance. Government cannot create miracles. The process of democratisation imposses certain responsibilities on people and communities. It demands that ordinary citizens take part in stabilising communities, in driving out crime and violence, in maintaining proper community facilities, in getting all our children into decent schools, and in contributing towards municipal services South Africa simply cannot afford to carry those who are not paying for services despite adequate incomes. Non payment of service charges is unacceptable.