(Workers’ Day debate in Parliament: Leveraging industrialisation and trade to realise decent work and social justice)
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) recognises the potential of leveraging industrialisation and trade to promote decent work and social justice in South Africa, however, the ANC’s current approach and policies undermine this ideal.
The ANC’s obsession with achieving equal outcomes, at the expense of equal opportunities, creates an illusion of world-class healthcare and prosperity, but in reality, it exacerbates poverty and unemployment, particularly among black South Africans, where unemployment has doubled since 2008.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution offers unprecedented opportunities, but the government is stalling its momentum with outdated, discriminatory policies that over-regulate the labour market and constrain the private sector – the country’s largest job creator.
Legislation such as the Employment Equity Act and other race-based laws create barriers to job creation, while investment opportunities are lost due to poor governance, unmaintained infrastructure and poor municipal service delivery.
Industrialisation cannot bring about decent work if businesses in rural areas are forced to close their doors. Poor local governance, contaminated water and dilapidated infrastructure are driving companies out of small towns.
Moreover, draconian over-regulation motivates businesses to mechanise, resulting in even more job losses, especially among the country’s poorest.
South Africa’s trade relations are also tainted by the ANC’s international policy, which aligns the country with questionable global players.
The Freedom Front Plus advocates for a new approach: Allow the private sector to grow without unnecessary interference, support businesses through proper infrastructure and prioritise training to produce employable candidates.
Industrialisation and trade can only ensure social justice if there is economic growth and equal opportunities. If these fundamental principles are not in place, the ANC’s promises are just lip service, while the gap between rich and poor continues to widen.
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