Hon. Deputy Minister M.M. Hlengwa
Honourable Speaker,
The IFP wants to salute the labour force that sustains our economy and reaffirm our commitment to decent work, dignity, and social justice for all South Africans. The fight for decent work and social justice is not just symbolic, it is the backbone of any ethical and sustainable society.
South Africa remains marred by structural unemployment, unstable working conditions, and deep economic inequality. The IFP believes that industrialisation and trade, when people-centred and inclusive, can be a powerful tool to reverse this injustice. However, this needs to be backed by a capable state, ethical governance, and bold policy implementation.
Meaningful industrialisation must begin at home. We must prioritise local production, revive manufacturing, and promote South African-made goods in both domestic and international markets. Trade must serve our developmental goals; not deepen inequality. This means aligning trade deals with job creation, local value chains, and ethical labour standards.
Decent work requires deliberate, measurable action. That’s why the IFP, even before joining government, introduced a Private Members’ Bill aimed at enforcing a minimum 80/20 employment target—ensuring that companies employ at least 80% South Africans, especially in entry-level and low-skilled sectors. It is about economic justice for citizens, particularly the youth, who remain locked out of opportunities in their own country.
The 80/20 target is a bold but necessary step to restore dignity through employment and stimulate local enterprise. It is through such patriotic legislation—coupled with support for small businesses, skills training, and local procurement—that we begin to realise the promise of social justice.
Speaker, decent work must mean more than just an employment opportunity. It must mean fair wages that reflect the true value of labour and allow workers to live with dignity, free from the shackles of poverty. Safe working conditions must be non-negotiable; no worker should risk their life or health in the course of earning a living. Furthermore, the right to organise, to join unions, and to collectively bargain must be fiercely protected and promoted as a cornerstone of democratic participation in the workplace.
Workers cannot be expected to thrive – let alone contribute to a productive economy in an environment that strips them of their rights, undervalues their efforts, and treats them as expendable. A truly just society is one where the dignity and humanity of every worker is upheld and where government institutions act as enablers of empowerment, not as obstacles to worker empowerment . At the heart of the IFP’s vision is the African philosophy of Ubuntu. It reminds us that the well-being of each worker is inseparable from the well-being of our nation.
The IFP believes that we must strengthen labour inspections, professionalise public service delivery, and root out corruption in bargaining councils and regulatory bodies.
The IFP remains steadfast in championing a people-centred economy that is rooted in dignity, fairness, and national interest.
Let us leverage industrialisation and trade not only to grow the economy, but to build a nation where no worker is left behind, and every South African has a fair chance at a dignified life. I thank you.
