These statistics are according to Stats SA. While there has been a gradual increase in the unemployment rate over the past decade, the decline in formal employment is the biggest year- on-year job loss in recent times. The latest statistics indicate the legislation may well have reduced employment prospects in entry level positions.
The fact of the matter is that, unless there is significant economic growth, the cost of labour for small and medium-sized businesses becomes too high to bear and will leave employers with one of three alternatives: to either seek alternatives for low-skilled labour and make use of technology; or to do the work themselves; or lastly, to close the business and invest in other countries with less restrictive labour legislation and better economic prospects.
The FF Plus offers the following five-point plan with regard to this: Trade unions' power must be restricted and any irresponsible actions that lead to the loss of jobs must be prevented and sanctioned by legislation.
In the words of David Bly: "Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you have not planted". Let's plant the seed of possibilities, the seed of opportunities. Let's create an environment of hope for an inclusive South Africa where every hardworking citizen can reap the fruits of their labour. Thank you.