The ANC government’s proposed Employment Services Bill should be seen against the background of the policies and legislation which is busy systematically destroying South Africa’s economy and employment opportunities, Adv. Anton Alberts, the Freedom Front Plus’ parliamentary spokesperson on Labour says.
The proposed Bill states that the minister may issue regulations which would force all businesses to report all vacant positions to the government’s labour centres for possible filling of the positions by the centres and in this manner opens the door to cadre-deployment in the private sector.
According to Adv. Alberts, the tragic reality of South Africa’s economic crisis and high unemployment is reflected virtually every day in media reports of people committing suicide to escape the terror of poverty and unemployment.
“Yesterday I heard report on the radio of a mother who first killed her two children and thereafter committed suicide because she could not survive on a state grant.
I can also tell you many stories of pensioners who can no longer afford a place to live in or food and who also poison themselves or commit suicide in a different manner. I see it, in particular, with Transnet pensioners.
“In the midst of this growing tragedy it is worrying to see how the ANC is implementing policies which are destroying the country’s economy. The RIA report about the Employment Equity Bill, as well as the comments of leading economists agree in their sharp criticism of the impact which the Bill will have on the economy of the country.
“This Bill will not only distribute fast-disappearing wealth, but will effectively contribute to breaking it down. The Employment Services Bill will do the same and it is very disconcerting. What makes it worse is that there is no independent research that proves that Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) actually empowers people,” Adv. Alberts says.
According to Adv. Alberts, the proposed Bill makes its appearance against this background and the short-comings in it are very clear to see.
“Firstly, the state wants to take over a private function through force, which is most probably unconstitutional. Secondly, the state wants to offer posts based on racist legislation, i.e. based on the Employment Equity Bill.
“Lastly, the state wants to offer posts within an economy which is struggling precisely because of interference on a racial basis which is not sustainable due to the shortage of sufficiently qualified candidates and a dysfunctional education system.
“The Bill’s aim to promote job-creation against the background of affirmative action and BEE is nothing other than a misleading show and playing of violins while Rome is burning.
“Regarding the DA, I can only say that you have betrayed the minorities in the country. You did withdraw, although a bit too late, your views on affirmative action, but you say nothing about BEE which has an even narrower definition of designated groups and which is more racist.
“You decided to support the BEE Bill and later on used the excuse of ‘a series of errors’ to cover up your support for it.
“Will you continue to support the Bill? If not, will Helen Zille, Lindiwe Mazibuko and other parliamentary leaders who supported the Bill be re-deployed? Or are some of your parliamentary members more equal, just like blacks are more equal than whites in the DA?
“The DA was previously known as a white party, but now it is known as the anti-white party and anti-minority party. The price for this will be very high,” Adv. Alberts says.
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