Chairperson, while we should be talking of accelerated service delivery, existing services are grinding to a halt. The ACDP is concerned that the department that serves as one of the country's main arteries is itself largely responsible for the present national disruptions. Service delivery is dependent on a well-trained and competent public service, but regrettably a skills deficit has been in the making for some time now.
While government has experimented with questionable policies in the name of accelerated transformation, they have also ignored the reality that market- related salaries are imperative in order to retain and attract the necessary skills. The delays have taken their toll.
In addition, government has created a monster, as inflexible labour laws encourage and protect those who abuse their employed status, but this cannot be used as an excuse to penalise those who are dedicated and committed to delivering excellence. We must deal with the problem and not the symptom.
Whilst the ACDP calls on educators and those providing essential and emergency services, who have the sympathy of the vast majority of South Africans, to act responsibly and not make the public and their children pay for government's short-sightedness, it also expects the hon Minister to make urgent and adequate interventions to address the widespread dissatisfaction in the Public Service.
Government's handling of this situation is in serious question. The ACDP will not support this Budget Vote. Thank you.