This Fin24 user has offered Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene eight tips for his budget speech, pointing out that curbing corruption should be the top priority.
1. Eskom should cut power off from whoever is in arrears. You want electricity, you pay.
2. Foreign nationals must show that they are actively working/contributing to the economy, to have a right to stay here.
3. Promote business growth. The current business environment isn't conducive to growth and employment. Stricter labour laws, minimum wages and above inflation increases are certainly not helping. Make business environment friendly by rewarding growth e.g. tax breaks for annual increased net profit?
4. The tax base is small relative to the population. Current corruption, mismanagement at all government levels are making taxpayers reluctant to part with their hard earned money. This will only erode taxes in the long run. Curb corruption! Priority no 1.
5. Prisoners should work for government to earn their keep. Whether it is planting vegetable gardens, maintaining roads ... No more freeloading.
6. Get education right. We need scientists, mathematicians, doctors, artisans etc. The problem starts with teachers. Bring back teaching colleges and no teachers are to teach if they haven't completed their studies. We now find student teachers everywhere with some fresh out of school. Standards must increase, not decrease to make pass rate better. Throwing money after a wrong practice does not make it better.
7. Stop racial discrimination at tertiary education institutions. Admission to chosen study field should not be based on skin colour/quotas, but on academic achievement only. Now potential doctors, scientists etc become teachers as this is all they were allowed to study because of quotas! Improved economy comes from well educated individuals.
8. Do not disrupt productive practices. Land claims on productive properties only make them unproductive. Focus government efforts firstly on things that will improve the country's finances. The 50/50 farm ownership scheme will make productive farms less so. Rather collaborate with farmers on a profit sharing scheme to apply unproductive land and in the process help emerging farmers. This is a win-win for all. Farmer stands to gain something for his efforts and emerging farmer gets assistance.
* Send your budget tips to Minister Nhlanhla Nene.
Disclaimer: All articles and letters published in MyBudget 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.