Hon Chairperson, let me say at the outset that the IFP supports the Budget Vote. [Applause.]
These labour, days, faces many challenges and, with the limited time that I have, I would like to raise the issues that are most concerning to the IFP and that we would like to see departmental action on.
Whilst we are not opposed to labour broking practices, as we do see some merit and benefit in these for the unemployed citizen trying to re-enter the market place, we do agree that they must be heavily regulated by an independent regulatory body, as well as monitored so as to ensure that exploitation of employees does not occur. Employees, brokers and those clients that use labour broking services would all benefit from such regulation. Labour brokers should be registered and licensed to trade, the so-called "bakkie brigades" should immediately be stopped, and a code of conduct and regulatory framework should be put in place to impose heavy sanctions for digressions therefrom.
Unemployment remains our biggest challenge. Even though the figures have somewhat improved to just under 24%, it remains a dire situation. It is therefore incumbent upon the department to identify and remove any and all barriers to the job seeker's entering the marketplace.
Postschool training must be in effective alignment with demand from the market. This misalignment is a major contributor to the situation, it is a barrier to entry for our postschool and recently qualified youth, and it could lead to social unrest with possible dire consequences for the entire country.
The proposal by the National Planning Commission of driver training for our school-leavers, and a tax subsidy to employers to reduce the initial costs of entry to the labour market, must be employed posthaste. Facilitation in respect of all points of entry to the market is key.
Economic growth must be stimulated if we are to create the 11 million jobs mooted by the National Development Plan over the next 20 years. Start-ups and, small, medium and micro enterprises, SMMEs, entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial flair must be encouraged and supported by government. Public-private partnerships, as well as export growth, need to be boosted.
Dispute resolution must be facilitated quickly and fairly, and labour legislation must be aimed primarily at helping and not hindering our economic growth. Labour and capital must engage with each other, and common ground must be sought before impasses are reached and strike action occurs. Working together in this instance, we can definitely achieve more.
Labour legislation that compromises jobs or the economy, and that has an overall negative impact on South African business, must not be permitted. It is directly opposed to and mutually incompatible with economic growth and a fully engaged labour force. I thank you. [Applause.]