Mr Speaker, I want to start by congratulating President Jacob Zuma on the retention of his position as president of the ruling party. [Applause.] I am also mindful of the fact that this retention could probably imply your retention as President of the country. As the slogan so accurately says: "You cannot keep a good man down". [Applause.]
In retaining stability within government through this renewal, I hope that the programmes of the previous state of the nation address, and the current one will come to fruition. The MF believes that it is imperative to locate the Sona within a particular background and the socioeconomic conditions that confront us. Ignoring this will fundamentally undermine the needs of our electorate.
I am aware of your strength, Mr President, in bringing stakeholders and business together, the attempts to achieve the threefold economic growth, your role within the tripartite alliance and the addition of Cyril Ramaphosa to your ranks. We appreciate your understanding the fundamentals of political challenges and that you continue to keep South Africa united. Regarding the youth wage subsidy, vis--vis the intended new tax regime, you should address the economic, career and other shortcomings of the youth. Although tax was reduced over the past 15 years, it would be better if such tax initiatives did not target the working class as the predominant source of revenue funding for the state.
I am raising this point because of the history of protest action at universities. The call by students was for a huge reduction in fees, subsidies, an increase in bursaries and improved and affordable accommodation for those who travel from rural areas. These are the fundamental indicatives that government should strive to provide relief. We must be mindful that the price of petrol has huge financial implications for the poor. The MF notes that the cost of living is bound to increase in the next two months once of the effect of the new petrol price kicks in with regard to transport. When we reaffirm our Constitution, let us also do the same with the fundamental right to life. Assurances are not provided in the Constitution, but are provided by government. We need to do more to protect lives.
The Public Service consists of more people running businesses and benefiting from tenders. The work ethic is deplorable. This act of dishonesty should be dismissible. Let's grow our economy so that everyone can participate, rather than employing unqualified personnel or making political appointments and then complaining that the Public Service is not delivering.
Systems are being manipulated by those that rely on them for self- enrichment, in contrast with the needs of the poor. I am sorry to say this, but the link of economic exploitation of government resources by the public sector is devastating. This undermines the initiative of government and the economy. The headlines in our newspapers speak for themselves. If I mention names, my six-minutes speech will be exhausted.
Monies from the new infrastructure programmes must not end up in the stomachs of those who implement government's policies. My fear is that the bulk of this money is abused because of fraud and corruption. We are losing skills through blatant discrimination and abuse of affirmative action policies. Our people need to benefit from our policies instead of being kicked out because of their skills or colour.
Let us create opportunities for all and not rely on the racist attitudes of certain government officials. We have learners who produced six, seven and eight A symbols, yet they cannot get into medical school. These potential doctors will benefit our communities. Why must they be denied an opportunity to study? They went to school and performed at their best. Why must they be pushed out by race and punished by affirmative action exclusion. What about meritocracy - the notion that the best in school will succeed? Why deny them the right to study in the country of their origin? We will never meet South Africa's challenges by throwing away skilled people to outside countries. Recent research shows that the majority of learners prefer to study outside South Africa.
The human settlement programme is a convenient form of service delivery designed to meet the needs of the poor and destitute. We must put in more money and approach housing with a more aggressive policy. Of course, we should watch out for the likes of those with the Mpisane mentality. I pay tribute to the late leader of the MF, Mr Amichand Rajbansi, who went on an aggressive campaign to pursue the housing initiative as Minister of Housing. These houses are still there and standing strong. Why is quality compromised today? Your vision for the infrastructure roll-out programme is worthy of praise and welcome. However, the fun must not be exploited by capitalist companies, as in the World Cup infrastructure roll-out. We must jealously guard against this. There is a need to grow and integrate the economies of our country collectively. The absence of sport in the school curriculum is quite disturbing and is marked by alcohol abuse, prostitution, drug abuse and violence. The pandemic of rape and murder must be confronted decisively.
The attrition rate of teachers far exceeds the replacement of educators. We must try and reintroduce training colleges and improve on teacher supply and demand. The quality of systems is severely compromised. Almost 1 500 dairy farmers have quit dairy farming. This will have a tremendous impact on the price of dairy products. We must introduce ways and means to skill our people, get land for them and revive the agricultural fraternity so that the country and our people can benefit.
Mr President, kindly accept this critique as an attempt to assist the service delivery campaign for the poor, rural and illiterate. The MF notes your position in the alliance and in government. Should you consider these suggestions raised by the MF with regard to your state of the nation address, I believe that South Africa will be in safe hands. As it is correctly said: The fragrance of the flower only blows in the direction of the wind. Yes, indeed, Mr President, the good unto mankind will spread in all directions. Let's march forward, all the way, with courage, conviction and determination. We should never stop until we deliver all our people from the shackles of poverty, unemployment and inequality with sincerity, honesty, hard work and dedication. I thank you. [Applause.]