Budget Speech 2014

Introduction

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2014

 

Budget Speech

 

 

Minister of Finance

Pravin Gordhan

 

 

26 February 2014

 

 

 

Honourable Speaker

 

I have the honour to present the fifth and last budget of President Zuma’s first administration.

 

In just over two months, we will again exercise our most fundamental expression of freedom – our right to vote for a new government.

 

Political emancipation is just the beginning of our journey towards justice and equality. In exercising the responsibilities that flow from democratic participation, we have the opportunity to create a better future for all. As Madiba wrote on his prison calendar in 1979, “The purpose of freedom is to create it for others.”

 

At the outset, I want to thank all South Africans for your support, cooperation and encouragement. Ngiyabonga, ndia livhuwa, enkosi, ke a leboga....

 

We have achieved much over the past five years, in a very difficult post-recession climate. But there is more to do ahead, more to build, more to put right, more to learn, more to implement. We can only do this together.

 

Fellow South Africans, let me be frank with you – the world economy is still in difficulty, and global institutions are struggling to find their way.

 

In South Africa, we stabilised our economy after the 2008 crisis. We have achieved a recovery in growth and jobs. Yet we need to do more, together with labour, business and all stakeholders, to lead our economy in a new, bold direction for higher growth, decent work and greater equality.

 

Mister President, as you said in your reply to the State of the Nation debate: “Twenty years of freedom and democracy have changed the face of our country. The last five years have further advanced change and a better life for all, especially the poor and the working class.”

 

 

ISBN: 978-0-621-42408-9

RP: 03/2014

 

To obtain copies please contact:

Communications Unit

National Treasury

Private Bag X115

Pretoria

0001

Tel: +27 12 315 5526

Fax: +27 12 315 5126

 

Budget documents are available at: www.treasury.gov.za