However, the distinction between development and developmental government has been reiterated that, government deepens democracy and socioeconomic development of society. It is well known that the notion of developmental government in South Africa is hypothesized on the basis of a developmental state which emphasizes popular consultation of citizens in government affairs. That is why today, we are holding this budget vote debate so that our people will be informed of the government programmes and initiatives that seek to uplift the quality of lives of citizens. We are indeed advocating the principles of democracy as the ANC- led government of: "The government of the people, by the people"
The South African Government has made tremendous strides in addressing socioeconomic challenges that the country is facing in the democratic dispensation. Nonetheless, recent studies revealed that South Africa's unemployment rate is one of the highest in the world and we remain one of the unequal societies. This predicament is not a new phenomenon. That is why hon Chair, we need to come up
with sustainable corrective action plans, for us to be able to do that, we need to identify and unpack the root causes of the problem that we are currently facing as South Africa. This predicament emanates from the South African history of apartheid where imposed race policies which resulted in vast inferior education and labour market opportunities for blacks in general. The magnitude of this problem is huge in a manner that it resulted in exceptionally high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality that were constructed along racial lines before the transition to democracy. Hon chair, we are in this crisis today because of the apartheid government. It is well known that some of the hon members from either side are side are beneficiaries of the apartheid system, whether directly or indirectly.
However, there is a lot that should be done by policy makers which is us at this level of government as public representatives, in shaping and developing transformative laws and programmes that are responsive to the needs of the citizens, with specific reference to employment and labour. The new political regime is trying by all means to reform institutions as well as labour related policies. It should be noted that the structural effects of colonialism and apartheid are not easily undone but together ...
IsiXhosa:
... sizakukhawuleza.
English: