*  *  *  Mounting doubts about the sustainability of public debt in advanced economies and unfavourable growth indicators for the second and third quarters have led to a downward revision of the global economy growth forecasts, particularly that of the euro area.
Of particular concern is the decline of 24 000 formal sector jobs and the increase in the number of unemployed to 5,2 million people which is the highest level since the inception of the QLFS in 2008. There is little doubt that job creation and reducing unemployment remains the single most important economic challenge confronting South African policy makers.