Hon Chair, Ministers and hon members, I quote Ann Landers: "Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognise it." We need to work hard to break welfare dependency and get our young people ready for the labour market. We need businesses to give them opportunities.
The Minister reaffirmed that the priority of this sixth administration is jobs. He furthermore confirmed that government cannot do this alone and needs the investment of the private sector to propel employment.
One would therefore expect that considerable effort would be made to ensure stimulation of the economy and the creation of favourable conditions to ensure the sustainability of small and medium businesses. It is, after all, these businesses that should be instrumental to create new jobs. We say this, because government cannot and should not be the largest employer in South Africa.
Through you Chair, Minister, referring to your speech on the Budget Vote, the focus seems to be placed on transformation in the labour market, employment and conditions of employment, instead of broadening the scope of employment and job creation.
Afrikaans:
Die VF Plus is van mening dat 'n holistiese benadering gevolg moet word om werksgeleenthede en finansile vooruitgang te verseker. Transformasieteikens en swart ekonomiese bemagtiging moet uit die regeringsbeleid en wetgewing verwyder word. Dit sal die privaatsektor aanmoedig om die beste moontlike personeel aan te stel, sodat ekonomiese groei bevorder word.
English:
Youth unemployment is at an all-time high. According to Stats SA, the unemployment rate among youth between the ages of 15 and 24 is
at 55,2% and among graduates, it is 31%. Factors which are contributing to unemployment are black economic empowerment and affirmative action. These policies are counterproductive to the economical growth ...