Chairperson, the committee report is a result of a committee - irrespective of party political affiliation - that has sensed the urgency of addressing the challenge of growing the economy in a manner that will lead to sustainable employment creation. The report reflects a pragmatic approach to tackling this challenge by supporting the use of industrialisation as a tool and leverage for growth.
Daar bestaan ernstige strukturele gebreke in ons land se ekonomie wat uitgewys is deur die afgelope paar jaar se werklose ekonomiese groei, waar die nuwe rykdom nie omgesit is in genoegsame werkskepping nie. Hierdie verslag probeer hierdie gebreke aanspreek deur erkenning te gee aan die behoefte vir 'n gentegreerde en sistemiese benadering tot ekonomiese groei en werkskepping. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[Economic growth without increased job opportunities during the past few years has brought to light serious structural deficiencies in our country's economy, where the new wealth has not been converted into adequate job creation. This report attempts to address these shortcomings by acknowledging the need for an integrated and systemic approach to economic growth and job creation.]
It is enlightening to note that this committee has adopted an approach of "South Africa first" when it comes to responses to macroeconomic matters like trade, thereby seeking policy space within the international trade instruments which this country can use to achieve its economic goals without flouting international laws.
This committee, together with the DTI and other agencies concerned with the country's economic growth, must continuously investigate industrial and service opportunities as they appear on the horizon for investment and development. We live in a global environment where the innovation cycle is increasing at an unprecedented rate and information flow is deepening. Therefore, our ability to scan for opportunities and our ability to exercise expert choices must also be enhanced.
In order to unlock further value, we must release the labour market from restraints like affirmative action, arrest crony-based capitalism, stop cadre deployment and pursue an open and inclusive market, amongst others.
Die VF Plus ondersteun die idee van 'n vaardigheidsoudit ten einde 'n register daar te stel vir gebruik waar tekorte in die arbeidsmag bestaan, solank die werking daarvan in samewerking met die arbeidsmakelaarsbedryf plaasvind. Hierdeur kan ons weer geleenthede gee aan vaardige persone wat as gevolg van regstellende aksie nie geleenthede sou gehad het nie, maar ook sorg dat nuwe vaardighede gekweek word, waar leemtes bestaan soos blyk uit die oudit. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[The FF Plus supports the notion of a skills audit in order to establish a register that could be used wherever shortages in the labour force exist, as long as it is implemented in co-operation with the labour broking industry. Through this we can once again afford skilled people opportunities they would not have had because of affirmative action, but also ensure that new skills are nurtured where there are deficiencies as revealed in the audit.]
If we can ensure co-ordination among all the role-players in the economic matrix, we will be able to ensure that the tide comes in to lift all the boats in the harbour. Then we must remember to untie the currently disadvantaged boats so that they too can sail into the sunset and prosperity.