Madam Chairperson, inequality in South Africa remains a runaway train. We have an overspending Gini-coefficient and no clear way in sight to address some. This together with our very weak economy translates into a growth restrictive environment in which small businesses in South Africa must grapple with as a challenge and overcome if it wishes to flourish.
The IFP finds it very disconcerting that this department which was established in 2014 is still preoccupied with making plans when one would expect it to be implementing plans.
The President himself in his Sona said that the time of rhetoric is over. So, it can only be an embarrassment that the organizational structure of this department remains to be yet approved.
Chairperson, our thinking must be youth-centred regarding employment. They are the one whoa re encouraged to strive at school and university, only to find that when they are finished with their studies no jobs are to be found.
This government speaks continually about radical economic transformation that will not only create jobs but also eliminate poverty and reduce inequality.
Our rural economies are where we should be concentrating with the Small Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises, SMMEs, development. Agriculture, agribusiness and agritourism are readily available models that can be rolled out in this regard.
A highly unequal society suffers from fragility which will not assist us in any way, shape or form in building the resilience that is required in today's economic development arena.
Our economy rests upon the shoulders of few economic giants and its fragility fosters contestation over poor resources. Our tax base is small and our social welfare base severely financially strained.
Critical infrastructure must be in place for economic development, yet we still see our current rail and ports system which was developed mainly to cater to large international mining conglomerates still excluding other kinds of enabling transport framework for smaller businesses.
The IFP supports getting South Africa working. Self-help and self- reliance within a supportive legislative and logistical infrastructure are essential if we are to create a one South Africa for all and it is this spirit that the IFP will support this Budget Vote debate. [Applause.]