Budget 'neglected graft'

Johannesburg - Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's Budget should have focused more on crime and corruption, the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) said on Wednesday.

"The focus on public sector tendering processes seems too narrow," Sacci said.

"There is a need to address the broader facets, including the rooting out of bribery and corruption not related to tendering and improved efficiencies in the judicial system."

However, Business Against Crime SA (Busa) said Gorhan's plan for employment and the youth would help address the "root causes" of crime.

"The emphasis within the speech on addressing the socio-economic challenge within the country, in particular putting the country on a path for economic growth and addressing youth unemployment, is commended," Busa said in a statement.

"This is an important contribution to the fight against crime."

The organisation said increased spending on social welfare, coupled with economic growth, would "address some of the root causes of crime in the medium to longer term".

Other gains

Sacci welcomed the improved management of HIV and tuberculosis and the introduction of public-private partnerships in the health sector.

"However, Sacci is disappointed that the minister did not place greater emphasis on improving management and conditions in hospitals and the skills levels of caregivers."

On infrastructure spending, Sacci was disappointed that the jobs created by public infrastructure projects would be temporary.

"Sacci believes that some of the spend should be allocated to the establishment of small businesses that can undertake maintenance of the new infrastructure. This will increase the potential for more permanent employment of a decent nature," it said.

It was pleased that Gordhan had given clarity regarding the independence of the Reserve Bank, the management of exchange rate fluctuations and inflation targeting and the continued gradual relaxation of exchange control regulations.

Sacci would have liked to see more details regarding support for the business environment, particularly the cutting of red tape for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

- Sapa