Mr Speaker, during a speech before the National House of Traditional Leaders, President Zuma publicly rejected the census results as propaganda and inventions of the media to undermine government. Government cannot ignore the census realities. [Interjections.] Inequality is the fertile mother of instability that can bring our country to its knees.
Not only did the Census 2011 figures show growing disparities between white and black South Africans, but also a rapidly growing income gap between black Africans. The nature and intensity of the recent wage demands and unrest demonstrate our vulnerability as a nation. This is fuelled by the wage disparities between the highly skilled top executives and the entry- level employees.
At the root of our inequality gap is our dysfunctional education system. Less than a third of South Africans have completed matric, while 8,6% have not had any education at all. Without relevant and quality education, there is no way of getting a better paying job. Although perceptions are currently being created that the unrest will translate into better wages ...
Hon member, there is a point of order. Hon Minister?
Thank you very much. Mr Speaker, I heard the hon member said that the President has rejected the outcome of the census. That is not true! It is absolutely not true! [Interjections.]
Thank you, hon member. Hon member, please proceed.
The President ...
Hon member, on what point are you rising?
I am rising on a point of order. The hon Minister did not rise on a point of order, but in fact she rose on a point of dispute. Thank you. [Interjections.]
Ministers will have opportunities to respond to the statements. I will give you an opportunity to respond then, hon Minister. Hon member, please proceed and conclude.
The President must focus more on investing in education to improve the income gaps between our people. He continues to undermine the fact that there has been a growing income gap between black South Africans and Africans in this country, which the census reflects and which the President disputes.