Madam Deputy Speaker, the violence committed by some of Cosatu's members last week against the legal and peaceful DA march in support of the youth wage subsidy must be condemned by all who support the right to assemble and the right to march, as enshrined in our Constitution. The actions of some Cosatu members, and the lack of accountability by Cosatu leaders, raise serious concerns about their commitment to promoting democracy and the values of our Constitution.
The response from the leadership of Cosatu smacks of hypocrisy and arrogance. It has exposed the leadership for what it is: intolerant of opposing views. The right to march peacefully and legally is a fundamental right, which has been used by ordinary South Africans throughout our history to express ourselves against the injustices of apartheid and its human rights violations, the abuse of power and corruption. Cosatu's blocking of the youth wage subsidy at Nedlac cannot be justified. Cosatu's actions prove that it does not have the interests of the poor and the unemployed at heart. It proves that Cosatu is against creating jobs. The DA will continue to speak for the poor; the DA will continue to speak for the unemployed; and the DA will continue to champion an inclusive, growing economy. Thank you. [Applause.]