Hon Speaker, the ACDP supports the intentions of this Bill, which seeks to reduce unemployment, inequalities and poverty. It is in government attempts to promote and preserve employment, however, where the difficulty usually lies, keeping in mind that overregulation can inhibit private sector growth, which is clearly not the intention and will defeat the objective.
Hon Minister, has a regulatory impact study been done to determine what impact this legislation will have? Will it result in more jobs or just more red tape? The ACDP is convinced that government is responsible for creating the environment for a thriving economy, but it should not be the one actually providing the jobs. South Africa's focus must be on increasing productivity so that we are more globally competitive. To the degree that this legislation delivers on this aspect the ACDP supports it.
Although we have not had the opportunity to follow this legislation in depth, we are concerned about what appears a significant degree of dictating to business, which we see as problematic when the goal is more jobs. We note, however, that this Bill has been discussed at Nedlac and we therefore assume that business concerns have been addressed.
The ACDP will despite reservations, support this Bill, which we hope will take us forward, even if only in part, as we strive for more jobs, decent work and sustainable livelihoods. Thank you. [Applause.]