Coming out from the shadows

OWN CORRESPONDENT

How would you describe yourself?
A person who is not only interested in current affairs and politics in South Africa, but someone who wants to try his utmost to ensure the situation is improved and things are done to create a positive and workable democracy. 

When did you decide you wanted to go into labour law and why?
When I was at university. I studied political science for my first three years and thereafter changed to law. In launching my career, I tried to combine both political science and law and found that this was a perfect mix to involve myself with the trade union movement. Initially, I represented a few small independent unions who were my clients for my first few years. 

What drew you to politics and when was that?
The career as a labour lawyer inevitably drew me into politics and I became involved with civil society organisation over 25 years ago. Although I wasn’t involved in party political activities, I appeared on many occasions in Parliament to represent the Chamber of Commerce movement in the Labour Portfolio. 

What was your introduction to politics?
Approximately five years ago I became involved with the Democratic Alliance when they were rewriting their labour policy. I had a strong hand in helping them restructure their labour policy. 

What is it about politics that you enjoy?
Politics is not only enjoyable because of the interaction, but it is the most wonderful feeling when you see legislation changed to create more jobs. 

Why the DA?
The DA is a party that has respect for the democracy and in particular for the free market system. It is forever changing in order to ensure the best for South Africa. The field of labour legislation is a dynamic one and the DA very carefully assesses the situation on a regular basis. 

How has being Jewish impacted on your career?
My career has always been very strongly moulded by the “Ethics of our Fathers” and my Judaism has always constituted a strong golden thread through everything I do, both in politics and in law. 

What does it mean to you to be chosen as Shadow Minister of Labour?
The Shadow Ministry of Labour is a vital position in all democracies. This entails the oversight of the implementation of our labour laws, the changes of our labour laws and certainly the oversight of the Department of Labour.  

What are your goals as Shadow Minister?
My immediate goal is to ensure we tackle the dire unemployment situation in South Africa. Our understanding is that over 50 per cent of our youth are unemployed and that the Department of Labour is not doing much to turn this situation around. Changing this predicament has become my immediate goal. I am helping to change some of the regulations to create a more user-friendly environment to enable small business to take on more employees. 

How has being a politician impacted on your career as a lawyer?
 I have had to employ more lawyers to ensure that my office is monitored on a daily basis. I am out of the office most afternoons. 

Describe your worst and best days in politics to date
My worst day in politics was when the entire National Assembly Chamber descended into disarray with both violence and foul language, degenerating our political system into a mess. 

My best day was when the amendments I had suggested regarding various pieces of labour legislation, were accepted into new laws. 

What is your advice to the Jewish community in terms of what we can do to enhance South Africa?
Our community needs to be more and more involved in civil society. Although we are a small community, we are capable, influential and positive. Our people make absolutely capable and effective politicians. 

What do you believe will happen to Jacob Zuma as president?
I strongly believe that our ruling party will in fact remove Jacob Zuma as their president in December 2017. The removal of the president does not correct the mess that we find ourselves in, but it certainly is the first very positive step.