After five years of strong growth, during which approximately two million jobs were created, the South African economy shrank by 1,8 per cent in 2009. Mining output fell by 7 per cent and manufacturing output decreased by over 12 per cent[1]. Furthermore, about 900 000 people lost their jobs. Growth for 2010 is projected at 2,3 per cent, rising to 3,6 per cent in 2012. Hence, there are significant improvements in the economic outlook. However, this may not be enough to address South Africa’s challenges of job creation, sustainable growth and poverty alleviation.