Modulasetulo wa Ngwako le Ntlo yeo e hlomphegago ...
English:
... the strike by members of two unions at SA Airways has brought to the national attention the grave challenges faced by SA Airways. The debate on the state- owned companies tends to polarise opinions in our country. Unfortunately, the real issues tend to be lost in the partisan squabble about state-owned enterprises versus private ownership, as if the two forms of ownership cannot coexist.
The ANC traditionally takes a rational approach that advances the interests of a country as a whole, informed
by the balance of evidence. State-owned companies play an important role in the country's economic growth as they provide strategic infrastructure and service delivery instruments. The National Development Plan, which is supported by the majority of parties in this House, emphasises the centrality of strong state institutions as key building blocks for a developmental state. For this reason, it is incumbent upon the government of the ANC to work tirelessly towards finding amicable solutions to the challenges faced by SAA and other SOEs.
A narrative has developed in South Africa that SOEs are mere feeding pans for greed and corruption. Those who promote this narrative forget to mention that these companies offer opportunities to thousands of young, poor and working class South Africans to receive training and experience in careers that the private sector does not ordinarily provide.
South African Airways for instance is currently offering airport operations and cabin crew training programmes to the general public. Young people, even from rural areas can apply and benefit from these accredited training
opportunities. State-owned enterprises such as Transnet have trained thousands of artisans, technicians and graduates in a variety of fields, thus contributing to much-needed skills and employment creation.
The ANC is committed to actively promoting a culture of integrity in our SOEs. These companies must embody high levels of professional ethics as part of a renewed public administration that is developmental, accountable and transparent. We condemn wasteful expenditure and corruption in all its manifestations at SAA. We support cost-cutting measures the company is pursuing and the recovery of misappropriated funds and stolen property.
The ANC must redouble efforts to ensure that all SOEs have boards and executives that are broadly representative of the demographics of the South African population. We want to see many more women as chairpersons and CEOs, especially of large companies like SAA, Eskom and Transnet. We must not lose sight of the fact that the business environment for airlines has deteriorated with the rising fuel prices and a substantial weakening of world trade.
According to industry experts, this year will be the 10th consecutive year in negative for the airline industry. We disagree with those who claim that the SOEs always fail. In our own country we have a number of companies in which the state holds a significant share such as the Airports Company of South Africa and Telkom that compete successfully in their sectors. On our continent, we are inspired by Ethiopian Airlines, a wholly state-owned company that has grown to become one of the most respected players in the aviation industry, with a footprint across Africa.
In conclusion, I want to finish by making an economic case why we need to turn around SAA for the good of our country. South African Airways - the South African national flag carrier, has a specific and important role to play as an enabler for tourism and a driver of economic growth through trade. The movement of people and goods by air is growing in our country and in the continent.
Tourism remains an important catalyst for growth in South Africa. It supports one in every 12 jobs. South African
Airways is a four-star rated domestic, continental and intercontinental airline. Mango is one of the most successful low-cost carrier on the continent. SA Airways Technical is the leading federal aviation administration, FAA-accredited maintenance facility in Africa. With the African Continental Free Trade Area treaty that has been ratified by the majority of African states, there are wonderful opportunities for South African state-owned companies to expand their operations on the continent and use their expertise to enter into partnership with African companies.
With a shared vision, we believe that SAA can develop a long-term strategic plan, driven by individuals who put the interests of the company and the people of South Africa before their own. South African Airways carries the name and flag of the nation and should once again be held in high regard as a symbol of national pride. I thank you. [Interjections.] [Applause.]