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‘War on poverty’ call to UNI-Africa
conference
17.10.2003
A war on poverty in Africa - starting with the dumping of debt and the
provision of new capital - was urged by UNI General Secretary Philip
Jennings.
Philip Jennings,
UNI General Secretary |
And drug companies were urged
to supply cheaper or even free medicines that can treat the big
killers in Africa - HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB.
Philip was opening the first major debate of UNI-Africa’s Regional
Conference in Johannesburg on creating jobs, justice and equality
for Africa.
"We want a war against poverty, not against people. A war
against social exclusion. A war against marginalisation," he
told delegates.
"Globalisation is not sustainable where half the population of
the world is surviving on $2 a day." |
"Debt relief is a must - to end this folly where your countries
spend more on debt than on health, education and welfare."
The background to the debate is stark - half the African population living
on less than a dollar a day, high unemployment, life expectancy of only 54
years, 42% of the population without safe drinking water and illiteracy
running at 41% among over-15-year-olds.
The toll in Africa of treatable diseases is also grim - 81% of the world’s
AIDS related deaths are in Africa and Africa has 90% of the world’s
malaria cases and 23% of TB cases.
"This is a social tragedy of our time and its economic impact is
severe - up to 3% of national wealth lost."
Philip demanded that the voices of the unions are heard at the African
Union and NEPAD (the New Partnership for Africa’s Development).
He called for more capital for Africa and compared the $50billion spent by
the industrialised countries on aid with the $300billion those same
countries spend on supporting their farmers and the capital flight from
Africa of $274billion over the last 27 years.
"Wake up Africa,"
said Joe Kokela of South African finance affiliate SASBO.
"The challenges facing unions in the fight are huge."
He called for job creation, targeted government investment and moves
to stop the job destruction caused by restructurings.
He reported on tripartite initiatives in South Africa and called for
growing economic cooperation between African countries.
"Africans should open our gates to other African goods - let us
buy our goods ourselves," said Peace Obiajulu of SSA-NIPOST
Nigeria, who chaired the debate. |
Joe Kokela, South Africa
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"Unions should have a crucial role with governments," said
Amos Junior Matsihne, of SINECOSSE Mozambique, who urged unions to
increase their influence. "Workers should have the possibility to
become more skilled and more productive and improve their economic
power."
Clement Nabo, of SYPINCI Ivory Coast, talked of the social and economic
impact of coups, civil wars, famine and disease. He told delegates
"we want wealth creation with a human face".
Professional and managerial staff should be included in the drive for
jobs, justice and equality, said Napoleon Kpoh of the ICU Ghana.
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