“South Africans have come to know the “Tips for Trevor” campaign that accompanied the budget every year. Introduced by my predecessor, Minister Manuel, the campaign allowed citizens to contribute to the budget process, and I have continued to draw on this advice. We have also used new forms of media such as Facebook. I would like to thank all those that took the time to send in tips, which give us many new and creative solutions to consider”, said Minister Gordhan.
According to the Minister, South Africans are taking opportunities in providing answers to issues such as youth unemployment and poverty by using social networking to spread the word and encourage job creations, skills development and entrepreneurship in the country.
“Over and above the actions of government, labour and the private sector in addressing the issue of youth unemployment, it is encouraging to see South Africans taking strides in doing what they can to provide answers”, added the Minister.
Gordhan exemplified the case of Vuyisa Qabaka, a young man from Cape Town, who believes the country needs a larger budget for youth development and is in the process of launching an online social platform called Student Enterprises, to support youth job creation and entrepreneurship.
Overall, the national budget concentrated on job creation, lowering poverty and boosting economic growth, with over half of the R907 billion budget going to education, health, municipal infrastructure and housing development.
The government will spend R2.9 trillion over the next three years, with R907 billion (about $119bln) budgeted for this year, representing an increase of 8.6% over last year’s budget.
I think that the budget speech yesterday by the minister was good because now people with disabilities can afford some of the things they need. I thouhgt he was going to mention the issue of development in the work place.
I was happy about the minister’s budget, in improving education and teachers salaries, I think they will enjoy their work now and teach learners with dignity.
The budget speech of the day before yesterday was good because there was a lot of emphasis on the youth, job creation and the education. I hope it will go on right way.
Good information once again! Thanks!/21.03.2011 05:33:24