Chairperson, the ACDP shares the concerns expressed by most speakers that the biggest challenge facing us is jobs, jobs, jobs. I'm sure members of the gallery will agree with that. The question arises: How many jobs has this department actually created? Yesterday Statistics SA indicated that 25,2% of South Africans are jobless, depending, of course, on the definition you use. Clearly, steps need to be taken to address this. We know there is consensus that the way forward is the National Development Plan. We are widely in agreement with that across the board.
However, how do we achieve this growth? Is it realistic to say the New Growth Path will achieve 5 million jobs over the next 10 years? Yes, we would all like to see that, but are the plans in place and how we will achieve those employment targets? Clearly, we have to double the rate of economic growth. That is the key aspect. We've got to move away from 2,8% to 7% and more sustainable growth. This we need to do. We should not only blame the lack of growth on the global climate, but also on our domestic challenges.
Whilst we appreciate that there is no textbook available to teach us how to acquire this 5% to 7% growth and create more than 5 million jobs, let us look at other emerging market countries such as Brazil, India and China. The ACDP trusts as well that our membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Brics, will help and assist us in this learning curve to achieve that goal.
The ACDP also supports the departure from a consumption-driven to a production-driven economy. The focus of the state on infrastructure is correct. Growth must not be an aim but must focus on job creation. However, we also need to look at productivity and that is the key. We need to look at that in order to be more globally competitive to achieve our economic growth targets.
It is undoubtedly so that productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship are key economic growth aspects for job creation. These aspects and programmes need to be supported. We all know that entrepreneurs hold the key to unlocking the potential for increased economic growth and job creation. They need to be supported in every way possible. We see many of them here in the gallery. We, as the ACDP, applaud the good work that they are doing.
The ACDP supports the New Development Plan, and to a certain degree, the New Growth Path and the Industrial Policy Action Plan. We differ to the extent to which the state itself creates jobs. Obviously, it must be a partnership and, Minister, you are on record as saying there must be the necessary partnership to create this national environment for job creation. We support your efforts for social dialogue and taking Nedlac to a greater level. We are, however, concerned about the state of collective bargaining in South Africa. I think everyone is concerned about that because agreements have been breached and ignored, as we saw in the mining sector.
The ACDP, however, will support this Budget Vote and we thank you for the good work that has been done. Thank you. [Applause.]