Mr Speaker, today the DA Youth unveiled a massive billboard in central Johannesburg. It reads: "Youth wage subsidy now" and forms part of the DA's campaign calling for the immediate implementation of the policy. Two years ago, the President announced the wage subsidy. Last year, R5 billion was allocated to fund its implementation on 1 April 2012. However, during this year's Budget Speech, Minister Pravin Gordhan had to back down on implementing it, because it is stuck at the National Economic Development Labour Advisory Council, Nedlac - but it is stuck at Nedlac because Cosatu is refusing to discuss it. This is unacceptable.
By opposing the youth wage subsidy, Cosatu is putting its own interests ahead of South Africa's 3,2 million jobless young people.
HON MEMBERS: Hear, hear!