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Cape Town - "Growth" was the most popular word in Minister of Finance Malusi Gigaba’s budget speech on Wednesday.
The minister used the word a total of 69 times, as he called on South Africans to "work to engender an economic system that is built on a common vision".
It was followed by "government" - which he used 65 times, and "economic", which he mentioned 57 times.
READ: GDP growth in SA slowly grinding to a halt
He used the term "radical economic transformation" once when he said: "Our next phase of growth must be characterised by radical economic transformation, broadly defined by President [Jacob] Zuma in this year’s State of the Nation Address."
Gigaba, who was named the country’s new finance minister in late March when he took over from Pravin Gordhan, used the word "development" 33 times and mentioned "transformation" 25 times.
He notably described economic growth and transformation as "mutually-reinforcing principles".
Graphic by Ewald Zietman
"We cannot allow a repeat of the past, where periods of relatively high economic growth were characterised by an uneven accrual of economic benefits," said Gigaba.
"There should be no doubt that an economy that grows should ensure that all our people live productive, prosperous and dignified lives."
READ: Budget in a nutshell
Gigaba referred to Zuma three times – twice when he mentioned previous quotes by the president, and once to thank him for giving "guidance and leadership".
Gigaba also thanked his predecessor Gordhan – which elicited applause from the MPs. He did not, however, refer to the Guptas or use the phrase "state capture".
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