Hon Speaker and hon members, the World Bank report in question that the hon member refers to, released in July 2012, focuses on those factors that affect life chances for the majority of our people, particularly those that were previously disadvantaged. Sadly, in our society, these circumstances are largely personal and family-related.
An equitable society should not allow circumstances over which the individual has no control to influence his or her basic opportunities after birth. Unfortunately, at the moment, whether a person is born a boy or a girl, black or white, in a township or suburb, to educated and well-off parents or otherwise, is very relevant to whether or not they reach their full potential. On the other hand, there are those factors that we can and should influence that provide an individual the opportunity to advance and reach their human potential, including improved chances of employment and earnings later in life as adults. These are access to quality education, health care and essential services, such as water and electricity.
Informed by the constitutional, historical and political imperatives, our policies since 1994 have consistently pursued the triple goals of equity, access and quality. We have achieved access in varying degrees in some areas, although there is still room for improvement with respect to quality. Therefore, we are of the firm belief that this is the critical path we need to follow towards greater social unity and cohesion in the economy in terms of race, class and gender.
With regard to the second part of the question, I have not conducted any studies to determine whether a prolonged, slow transformation and development rate will exacerbate inequalities. I thank you for your attention. [Applause.]
Is there a supplementary question? The hon Manamela was not here to listen to the answer to his question. We will then proceed. Are there any other supplementary questions? Is there somebody who would like to take the floor for Mr Manamela?
Yes!
Oh, all right. Please go ahead. Oh, yes! Go ahead. [Laughter.]
Thank you, hon Speaker. There is no further follow-up question. [Laughter.]
Mr Speaker, the World Bank report that the question refers to tells the story of insiders and outsiders who undermine social cohesion. Nowhere is this more obvious than where the report speaks of things like industrial concentration and labour market rigidities. My question to the Deputy President is: In this regard, in order to prevent the breaking out of an explosion of unrest associated with the dominance of certain trade unions in sectors like mining, would he support the replacement of closed- shop agreements with the proportional representation model for labour bargaining in such sectors, with minimum membership thresholds for participation?
Secondly, to prevent small firms which are not represented in bargaining councils from having to comply with conditions negotiated between big business and big unions at those councils, would he support scrapping the automatic extension of agreements to nonparties with reference to those bargaining councils?
Hon Speaker and hon members, these collective bargaining arrangements or regimes are regulated by the Labour Relations Act. The Labour Relations Act, Act 66 of 1995, informs what happens and what types of collective bargaining agreements can be reached by parties in the work milieu. That is really something which this august House can deal with, by amending the Labour Relations Act accordingly.
I am wary of any suggestion which is aimed at whittling away rights, because we are a country and a society in which we pride ourselves on our record of human rights. Whether this collective bargaining regime impacts positively or negatively, it is something that we must always debate and assess, and adjust our legislative framework accordingly.
We should ensure that all stakeholders debate, participate and own the decision to streamline our Labour Relations Act or the collective bargaining regime in the country. That is something that can be initiated in this august House. It is not really for me to express a view one way or the other outside of the debate. I thank you.
Hon Speaker, I would like to thank the hon Deputy President for the response. It is unfortunate that we were unable to get this report that was referred to in the question from the Table. They sent me a letter saying that, to their great regret and astonishment, they themselves never requested the report or reference.
However, notwithstanding that, cohesion in the economy starts with having a workforce or people who are employed in our country. For that to happen, education is a sine qua non. It is a sad indictment that the Limpopo textbook saga took place. I wonder whether the Deputy President would comment as to whether or not the executive is putting sufficient pressure on the member responsible for education in the Cabinet and on officials within the department to ensure this kind of sad event does not take place in the future. What are we going to do about it as we move forward? Thank you.
Speaker, I thank the hon Singh. Yes, indeed, the President has instituted an enquiry into the failure to deliver books in Limpopo province. As you know, Cabinet took a decision to implement section 101(b) with regard to the department of education in Limpopo, and other departments as well. I agree with the hon member that cohesion would be greatly enhanced if we created an educated society. Therefore, whatever we do in the area of education is of critical importance, not only today, but for the future of this country as well.
Once the full report is received by the President, Cabinet will be able to ensure that this omission is never, ever repeated. In fact, our focus now is to ensure that the orders are placed now for the books to be delivered before the end of this year. We believe that this is not just a challenge facing Basic Education. It is one which faces government in its entirety, because education is our apex priority.
In our response, if it means the books should be delivered by the Defence Force, so it will be. We want to be in a position where we can guarantee that no child will be without learning support material when school begins. Thank you.
Speaker, one of the major ingredients for being a developmental state is to have good education. I think the hon Deputy President has partially dealt with the hon Singh's question. In addition, however, one must have entrepreneurial skills and business confidence, otherwise it will never happen. Does the Deputy President not think that the tragic incident at Marikana is currently hampering business confidence in South Africa at this time?
Speaker, I think it is early days for me to know whether this is, in a sense, impacting negatively on investor confidence. For now, what I have observed by looking at the share price of Lonmin itself is that it has gone down. As to how long that will last, I am not sure yet. I think it is still too early for that kind of assessment to be made.
However, the point is that, as a country and as public representatives, we should continue to reassure investors that South Africa is a place in which to invest their money. South African mining, in particular, is an important investment outlet for them to consider. Thank you.
Issues raised by organised business and labour, and implementation of youth wage subsidy
14. The Leader of the Opposition (DA) asked the Deputy President:
With reference to his reply to question 11 on 15 August 2012, (a) what are the several issues that organised business and labour have raised that require further discussion and (b) what date has been set for the Cabinet decision on the implementation of a youth wage subsidy?