Speaker, our country is bleeding. Millions of people have not been able to find jobs for some time. On top of that, nearly a million people lost their jobs last year.
As this year is coming to an end, thousands more face the terrible prospect of losing their jobs if Standard Bank and Nedbank proceed with their intention of retrenching staff.
It is common cause that corruption within government is severely distorting the economy. The economy is therefore in a crisis. Our country, more than ever, needs leadership that is moral, ethical and visionary. We say this because government has dedicated funds in reserve to help companies in distress to both retain and retrain their staff; yet, the silence of the government with regard to the imminent retrenchment of staff at Standard Bank and Nedbank is deafening. All of South Africa must be wondering why the government has not begun negotiations with these banks in the interests of saving jobs, protecting the livelihoods of many families and keeping our economy afloat.
Of course, in a democracy such as ours, government fosters patronage in an unapologetic and self-serving manner, rather than focusing on the needs and aspirations of the people. We demand that government enters into immediate negotiations with the above-mentioned banks. I thank you, Speaker. [Applause.]