Latest figures show jobs in China far exceed the number of employable people. Evidently its policy of encouraging smaller families through tax incentives has caused a serious depletion in the work force – especially in the manufacturing sector.

China’s exports, at one time its mainstay, even overtaking those of the US, have taken a knock, with factories either closing or functioning with skeleton staff.

Demand outweighs supply, so workers have a strong bargaining chip, insisting, and getting, higher wages – further adding to China’s economic woes.

This phenomenon elicits a range of responses. On moral grounds, it is hoped there’ll be less of the notorious sweat shops that have given the country a skunk smell. And as a direct consequence one should expect a dip in the dumping of cheap, sub-standard products on world markets. SA has been duped for ages.

These perceptions aside, China still produces good stuff that its trading partners cannot do without. So, it is to be hoped that it finds a solution sooner than later.

Mulling over this worrying report at three one morning, I came up with the goodies. My best ideas are born in the early hours when my wife and the hadidas are still asleep.

The only sounds I am conscious of are the ticking bedside clock and the rusty cell cogs in my brain.

Fact One. SA is part of Bric (a working relationship between Brazil, Russia, India and China).

Fact Two. President Zuma is bosom  buddies with China’s leaders.

Fact Three. South Africa has a major unemployment problem.
Fact Four.

Our President has made outlandish promises about finding sustainable jobs for tens of thousands of the jobless in a relatively short time. Yeh. Sure.

So, considering all these points, a practical blueprint emerges.

China sends a team of employment agents to recruit workers on contract for Chinese factories.

The deal includes comprehensive training programmes  and attractive wage incentives.

Thus, Chinese plants filled, SA’s unemployment figures substantially reduced, and after contract, fully trained workers return to fill key SA factory positions.

Zuma’s headache gone. China smells better. Oh, and a bonus: No union strikes. And good entertainment value: Vavi toyi-toying on his own.

Everybody wins.