Cape Town - If it were up to Fin24 users, the ANC-led government would direct most of its spending towards education, fighting crime and beefing up the healthcare system.
Fin24 users had the opportunity to tell Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan what the government should focus its spending on for the new fiscal year before he delivers his Budget Speech in Parliament on February 24.
User Bhavesh Bhikha says that education needs to be made more affordable, and that teachers should be provided with better incentives. According to Bhikha, teaching needs an environment to make it "a respected career".
Due to the country's "desperate need" for artisans, user Martie Grobler suggests that artisan studies be made free. "Our construction and building industry is under severe strain because of the lack of skilled artisans," says Grobler.
User Ronel Sheehan says there is no accountability in the healthcare sector and that nurses and doctors need to be paid properly. According to Sheehan, too many in these professions are moving to other countries to earn a decent living.
Karel Burger would like to see a greater percentage of the budget dedicated to the fight against crime. "Our police officers are corrupt and untrained," says Burger, who adds that "we need to improve our police".
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Disclaimer: All comments published have been independently written by members of the Fin24 community. The views of users published on Fin24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent those of Fin24.
INFOGRAPHIC: Areas government spending should be directed to, according to 130 Fin24 users.