Madam Deputy Speaker, it is deeply ironic that this year's Labour budget debate took place in May - the month historically associated with the rights of workers around the world. It's ironic because here in South Africa - with unemployment levels currently at 30% higher than ten years ago and the skills scarcity at such epic proportions that it keeps no less than the Deputy President awake at night - the months of April, May and June have seen strike action, violent protests, wanton destruction and even death on a scale unprecedented in our new democracy.
The ongoing security guard strike and the conduct of Satawu in particular are grim reminders of the damage that is done when unions behave recklessly and irresponsibly. It has also been a timely reminder of the failure of the Minister of Labour. Instead of providing leadership and guidance, he has been noticeably ``drastically quiet.''
The DA recognises the rights of workers to strike, but we cannot condone the behaviour of those thugs intent on terrorising South Africans in order to put pressure on their employers. Workers have rights, but law-abiding citizens do too. And until our labour laws and trade unions are aligned to the country's growth targets and the goal of maximising investment to address skills deficit and unemployment issues, we will simply never achieve these goals. The DA opposes the Labour budget.