Chairperson, the Minister of Labour might be doing something right because he has been elected as the chairman of the International Labour Organisation. So, that says there is something that he is doing right. [Applause.]
I just want to respond on the issue of affirmative action. Although the FD supports the policy of affirmative action, we believe that affirmative action has the potential, if approached incorrectly, of creating further institutionalised inequalities. It should be applied, we believe, as a temporary measure to redress the wrongs of the past and to ensure individual family - and nation-building and human resource development. Affirmative action should aim to make people self-sufficient to contribute to the running of their country in all its sectors. We should not have it written into the Constitution as a permanent right - and it is not - as this can only be counterproductive.
The FD supports the approach of healing the hurts in a society caused by unjust distribution of resources. Apartheid has left us with a legacy that has to be confronted in a way that would minimise conflict and the perpetuation of injustice. Conflict will inevitably arise if a simple black empowerment right is introduced that will benefit a few individuals without flowing down in the form of a benefit to the disadvantaged community as a whole.
With these few words, the FD supports the Budget Vote. I thank you, Chairperson.