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Finance Minister Tito Mboweni was in his element presenting his maiden Budget address in Parliament on Wednesday. Here is a sample of his top 10 quotes from his pre-budget media briefing and his official speech.
1. On fixing the Economy
"It will not be easy. There are no quick fixes. But our nation is ready for renewal. We are ready to plant the seeds of our future."
2. On cash-strapped entities
"In October [during the medium-term budget speech], I quoted Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. After a few months in the role, I feel that Oliver Twist might be more appropriate this time. In short, 'Please sir, may I have some more?'
3. On state-owned enterprises and whether SA needs them
"The SOEs pose very serious risks to the fiscal framework. Funding requests from SAA, SABC, Denel, Eskom and other financially challenged state-owned enterprises have increased, with several requesting state support just to continue operating. Isn't it about time the country asks the question: do we still need these enterprises? If we do, can we manage them better? If we don't need them, what should we do?"
4. On the Public Protector
“The incumbent has a problem."
5. On Eskom's debt
"I want to make it clear: the national government is not taking on Eskom's debt. Eskom took on the debt. It must ultimately repay it. We are setting aside R23 billion a year to financially support Eskom during its reconfiguration."
6. On SA's land debate
"A robust debate on land is taking place in South Africa. We are supporting private sector investments in agriculture by emerging farmers. R1.8 billion is allocated for the implementation of 262 priority land reform projects over the next three years."
7. On preserving culture and heritage
"Our public finance choices should reflect an intention to preserve and add to our cultural canon. Officials from the National Treasury and the Department of Arts and Culture will consider proposals for the development of a new national theatre, a new national museum, and also consider financial support for the National Archives, a national orchestra and ballet troupe."
8. On paying back the money
"We need to build a strong culture of payment in our country. Collecting the revenue due to the state is the underlying foundation of our democracy, of building a nation and it is our duty to pay for services especially if we can afford to do so."
9. Seeds of renewal and growth
"Madame Speaker, this is a Budget that plants seeds for renewal and growth. It is all of our duty to to tend the seed and see that it grows strong, tall and fruitful."
10. On the Central Bank
“The more you want to interfere with the central bank, the more independent it will be”.
Bonus: On going the distance
"I will be around for a while, don't worry about that."
