In a disappointing move for those advocating for a skilled and competitive labour force, the ANC government rejected a motion by the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) aimed at promoting merit-based appointments in both the public and private sectors in Mpumalanga.
The motion, tabled in the Provincial Legislature, called for urgent recognition of the need to fill vacancies primarily based on merit, competence and qualifications, while still respecting the principles of transformation and redress.
The Freedom Front Plus emphasised that true empowerment should include meaningful access to quality education and skills development, enabling all residents to compete fairly for job opportunities.
The continued enforcement of affirmative action, without a balanced focus on ability, risks weakening businesses and undermining service delivery.
The public is also increasingly losing faith in government due to the aforementioned.
The Freedom Front Plus called for balanced transformation; an approach that views equality and excellence as complementary rather than contradictory. The Mpumalanga labour force should be equipped with the tools, training and education needed to advance based on merit.
Unfortunately, the ANC government was unwilling to consider this constructive proposal.
By rejecting this motion, it clearly demonstrated that it is not committed to building a truly competitive and well-prepared labour force in Mpumalanga.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep fighting for practical, inclusive and future-orientated policies that empower residents through competence and fair opportunities, ensuring that transformation is both just and sustainable.
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