Very well. Is it of any use our debating the topic of the division of revenue, as we are doing today, if the departure point of the entire thing is disputed by only one organisation that seems to have the political power to filibuster and block key policies and influence the direction of this government right from the very top? What will stop Cosatu from opposing the scrapping of cadre deployment, opposing those holding public servants to account or protecting nonperforming teachers?
On the topic of teachers, hon Sogoni, just to correct you for misleading the House: The DA in the Western Cape government has closed 18 schools, but opened 49 schools. The previous ANC administration in the Western Cape closed 47 schools.
In the past 12 years, ANC governments closed 110 schools in the Northern Cape, 170 schools in Limpopo, 215 schools in Mpumalanga, 590 schools in the Eastern Cape, 640 schools in North West and 1 100 schools in the Free State.
But, hon Deputy Minister, again I ask the most important question: Given Cosatu's opposition to the founding document of this division of revenue, how on earth does this government hope to see its funding a programme of action?
Cosatu has spent the past three years blocking the youth wage subsidy that by now would have created 178 000 jobs for young people. The Minister has retabled the plan, but it seems that Cosatu will block this one, too. In responding to the Budget, Cosatu said:
We reiterate our rejection of the youth wage subsidy as an incentive for employers to hire young people. This is not a solution to the unemployment crisis facing young people.
Numsa said:
We are stunned by government's attempt to reinstate the youth wage subsidy ... This is unacceptable.
That is what they called it. Deputy Minister, if Cosatu has successfully blocked the youth wage subsidy for three years and looks set to block this version, too what does it mean for this government when they oppose the very plan that is the departure point of this division of revenue? I ask you that, sir. Thank you. [Applause.]