The African National Congress's election manifesto will introduce policy changes while tightening functional ones, party president Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday night.

He was addressing a thanks giving ceremony of the American Chamber of Commerce at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park.

"The election of President-elect Barack Obama has to a large extent set the tone of world politics in 2009. Change is the buzzword. In our case, we have opted for continuity and change," Zuma said.

The manifesto, which will focus on crime, education, health and job creation, is expected to be discussed over three days this coming weekend.

"We will continue those practices that have been successful, but we will change those that have not worked well in the implementation of our policies," he said.

Zuma lauded the fiscal policy and the expanded public works programme, saying they both led to economic growth and job creation.

While these were policies to keep, Zuma said it was imperative for the ruling party to "look for ways of making economic growth to be accompanied by faster job creation" as unemployment continued to cripple the country.

"Government will engage in a dialogue with business about how we can create an environment conducive to creating and retaining decent work opportunities, whilst at the same time pursuing profitability," he said.

In regard to the current global economic turmoil, Zuma said "government, labour and industry will have to continue working together to develop practical solutions that will ensure that South Africa's economic prospects continue to improve despite the global challenges".

Transformation in the fields of education and health was imminent, with more attention placed on curbing crime.

"We have already made it known that we will be tough on crime. We are in the middle of an overhaul of the entire criminal justice system to ensure that it can respond quickly and effectively in investigating crimes and prosecuting and jailing criminals," Zuma said.