Mr Speaker, something is seriously wrong with the relationship between the government and Cosatu, and it is not good for the economy. Our major trading partner, Europe, is slipping into a recession. Political instability in Iran and the United States' reaction to it may see oil prices skyrocketing. We import 60% of our oil from Iran. We must act very carefully.
Cosatu lives on an island of its own. When the hon Minister of Finance calls for the relaxation of the labour dispensation, Cosatu reacts with vengeance against him. Where are the other Ministers of the economic cluster in the Cabinet on this issue? They are silent!
South Africa lost more manpower days in 2011 due to Cosatu strikes against the Zuma government in comparison with strikes against the De Klerk government in a single year. [Interjections.] Cosatu and its allies in the Cabinet should realise that the role of Cosatu in terms of the new labour dispensation and the shrinking of the state wage bill will be vital if we want to be successful.
We need a more uniform reaction from Cabinet on these issues. Business Day wrote today in its editorial:
It is madness to talk about job creation while turning a blind eye to the forces that actively undermine that goal.
Cosatu is such a force. Let's create a job-friendly South Africa together. Then we shall see change.