Work together for SA's future: Gordhan
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan believes government needs to promote inclusive economic growth, while continuing to live within its means.
Gordhan tabled his Medium Term Budget Policy Statement yesterday afternoon.
He highlighted the difficult financial times the country finds itself in, but believes the correct economic policies could see a speedier than expected recovery.
Gordhan stepped up to the podium to great applause from MPs, a show of support ahead of his court appearance next week.
The Finance Minister explained that there has to be a focus on inclusive growth and balanced fiscal management to change South Africa's economic path.
There is an additional R17 billion going towards higher education as well as a planned tax increase of R28 billion in the next financial year.
Gordhan also stressed the importance of working together and taking collective responsibility to ensure a better future for South Africa.
"Our current challenges place an extraordinary responsibility on all of us. This is a turning point in which if we take the right choices we can achieve faster, more inclusive growth. It is a moment in which we need action - economic, social and political. But it is also a time in which we must reflect carefully: we need to confront long-standing inequalities and forms of domination without creating new ones; we need to widen opportunities without capitulating to opportunism. This is time for us to re-engage in taking our hard-won democracy forward," Gordhan said.