Hon Chairperson, the DA will not support this Vote for the general reason that this department ... [Inaudible.] ... of the mining industry has been a failure. The industry that should be driving our economic progress and job creation is stagnating. Last week, it was announced ... [Interjections.] You see, Chairperson, this happens when the DA is talking, but it does not happen ... [Interjections.]
Last week, it was announced that the Marikana platinum mine would be closing, along with the loss of 1 500 jobs. Mine owners Aquarius Platinum attributed their first-quarter difficulties to safety stoppages, poor labour productivity and delays in securing mining rights. Two of those are the direct responsibility of this department. The Minister is hinting at reforms, but he is unable to act because of the ANC's policy conferences. A major part of this economy is being held hostage by internal party politics.
Mining production figures in February this year were the lowest in 50 years. Between 2001 and 2011, the industry lost 179 000 jobs. The governing party is showing no clear intention about nationalisation. It is, rather, forfeiting foreign direct investment, which is needed for economic growth and employment, for the dance of Mangaung. That will not solve these very serious issues in the mining industry. It could be very much worse in January 2013. When this government works out how to grow mining, then there will be a chance that the DA will support the spending plans of this department. So, we cannot support the budget. Thank you.