Breaking SA from bottom up: iLIVE

Statistics indicate that 40% of households are reliant on welfare hand-outs ("One big soup kitchen", August 23). Clearly, the government is losing the battle against unemployment.

The government doesn't seem to accept the need for an investor-friendly environment, with a reliable and qualified labour force, and less red tape.

The burden of the welfare system will place other budgets under strain - including the money need for infrastructure, health and education .

Incidentally, the figure of 40% is only part of the equation.

If the calculation included unproductive and incompetent individuals in overstaffed government departments, municipalities and parastatals - such as Eskom and SAA - the number would be closer to 60%, a frightening statistic.