Beyond the hilarious debate about whether legislators should be allowed to wear red overalls in parliament and chant “pay back the money”, uppermost in the public interest in parliament is whether the 2015 National Budget will foster economic transformation.
In fact, the huge spotlight should be understandable. This year, the revised BEE codes will come into effect. However, if the Codes’ objectives are ever to be realised, there is need for more stimulus or more money should be circulating. In this way, businesses will grow and skills development, enterprise development, employment equity and preferential procurement will be accomplished. In no doubt, more is at stake.
Just how much does Finance Minister, Nhlanhla Nene, have in his kitty? Whatever he is willing to spend, South Africa hopes it will promote economic transformation, and, in due course, closing the gap between the rich and the poor.
