“THE ANC is killing the country and will cost us 600 000 jobs.”
That was the message from Democratic Alliance (DA) marchers when they took to the streets of Cape Town on Wednesday, 26 July, to protest against quotas.
Party leader John Steenhuisen told his supporters at the march that the so-called "Race Quotas Act" going through parliament and ANC introduced could cost up to 600 000 jobs and kill any hopes of increased investment or economic growth.
“The Race Quotas Act will completely ban the employment of coloured and Indian South Africans in certain provinces and sectors. It says, in black-and-white, that the quota for the employment of coloured people in the agricultural sector in Limpopo and Mpumalanga is 0.0%," Steenhuisen said.
He said that according to research done by Solidarity, the quotas would force one out of every three coloured people working in skilled occupations in the Western Cape to lose their jobs.
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“In Gauteng, approximately 85 000 coloured workers, 50 000 Indian workers and 220 000 white workers will have to be removed to meet the ANC’s quotas. The number of coloured people employed in Gauteng will have to be reduced by an incredible 73% to meet the quotas.
“Let’s be clear. This law will hurt every single South African family, no matter their race and where they live. It is our moral duty to defy these unjust race laws," Steenhuisen said.
But GOOD secretary-general Brett Herron criticised the march and called it a march for the “privileged”.
“The DA march appeals to those who believe inequality is acceptable. Steenhuisen embodies unearned privilege and inequality in South Africa. He is an unqualified white male who earns in the top 10% of South Africa’s salaries,” said Herron.
He said the Employment Equity Amendment Act seeks to convince businesses employing 50 people or more to set targets to address the persistent legacy of racial and disability bias in employment, especially in senior and top management roles.
“And although the Act and regulations are not perfect, we need to start addressing these glaring inequalities in workspaces,” said Herron.
