Manuel, Vavi discuss rising prices

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel and the Congress of SA Trade Union’s (COSATU) have met in Pretoria to discuss rising food and fuel prices.

"We touched on almost everything ... the global economy ... (and) the inflation trends that we're beginning to see in the local economy," Cosatu General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi told reporters afterwards.

"We have not begun to look beyond what those things mean in terms of the policy choices that are open for South Africa. Hopefully more extensive discussions will begin to explore what all these figures mean together with the inflation, food, petrol and oil in South Africa."

The meeting came a day after thousands of workers in the Free State, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga took to the streets in protest against escalating prices and job losses.

Manuel said: "Part of the discussion is ... to better understand each other in policymaking and its outcomes."

Also at the meeting were Deputy Finance Minister Jabu Moleketi and SA Democratic Teachers' General Secretary Thulas Nxesi.

Manuel said other government departments would be involved when the two camps meet again. Government has the responsibility to "better the lives of others", Manuel said.

Vavi said the discussions, which continued through the day, were vital because "challenges demanded increased interaction". - Sapa