ANC praise for Gordhan's 'budget of hope'

Cape Town - Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan presented a budget of hope in the midst of a sluggish economic climate, the ANC said in a statement.

“It’s clearly aimed at rebuilding confidence in our economy and reigniting growth.”

The ruling party was particularly pleased that the budget made provision for the shortfall following the decision to not increase university fees last year.

“Organised labour and ordinary South Africans have called for a comprehensive social security and this call has been heeded in the resources allocated in the budget,” the ANC said.

The party also welcomed plans to rationalise state-owned enterprises and phase out the ones that are no longer viable. “This includes the possible merger of South African Airways and SA Airlink that will ease the drain on the national fiscus.

“Working together in a social compact and building on its solid foundation, the ANC is confident of South Africa’s ability to weather the current economic challenges,” the ANC concluded.

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