Chairperson, when you focus on the international arena, you find that the austerity measures that have been imposed in Europe and on Greece are a bit harsh. The shift in policy should encompass more sympathetic perspectives in protecting workers. It is sad that the majority of the workers in Europe have lost their pension funds. The minimum wage has also been cut in some countries. It is a glaring fact that working conditions have got worse for workers internationally.
Undoubtedly, to make social improvements and provide economic opportunities for all our people in South Africa it is of paramount importance to amend old and outdated pieces of legislation that serve to have a negative impact on delivering a better life for all going forward. The key is job creation and job opportunities.
The MF welcomes the various amendments proposed, which will address the challenges and hardships that our people experience and confront. We cannot allow the exploitation of the poor. It has been an extremely sad and miserable retirement for an elderly African woman who worked for 20 years on a farm and received no benefits. This was highlighted in the news last week. The MF would like to caution regarding the proposed amendments. As much as they protect workers, they should also encourage competitiveness in the market.
More critically, the department has to improve its performance in regard to labour inspectors. There must be an improvement in their current numbers and also the equipment that is being provided to inspectors. Another crucial mandate in regard to the amendments is the training of the inspectors. The MF calls on the department to ensure efficient and effective training.
The agricultural sector, farm workers and the domestic sector must be protected against vulnerability. The MF welcomes the hon Minister's new sectoral determination for farm workers, and considers it to be reasonable. For domestic workers, the most important and notable achievement is last year's International Labour Organisation Convention No 189. Now South Africa has to make sure that it ratifies that convention.
In regard to the labour broker regulations pertaining to job creation, we acknowledge that labour brokers do have a role to play. But what is most important is that a balance should be created between job creation and the protection of workers.
The MF would like to applaud those who are complying with the legislation regarding minimum wages, but also to make an earnest appeal to those looking for loopholes in the legislation and jumping at the opportunity to abuse farm workers - remember, it is abusing the poor!
Social dialogue is critical and there have been quite a number of achievements in the labour market. We note the incredible work done by the National Economic Development and Labour Council, but more has to be done in order to reduce the unemployment rate, so that people can practically enable South Africa to advance, in order for it to be progressive and more developed. The MF supports the Budget Vote. I thank you.