SOUTH African President Jacob Zuma urged government, business and labour yesterday to work together to save jobs in the crisis-hit iron and steel sector.

Challenges facing the industry include falling prices due to a global glut in steel production and rising production costs.

The president expressed his concern at the effects not only on the economy but on workers and their families.

“This is a time for unity in the sector so that this critical industry can be supported and emerge from the current challenges stronger and play its historic role as a critical player and employer in the economy,” he said.

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies and Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel met with steel firms and trade unions on Friday.

On Monday, trade union ­federation Cosatu called for a raft of measures, including import and export tariffs and a moratorium on redundancies.