Deputy Speaker, the ANC welcomes the recognition by the International Monetary Fund, the IMF, of the ANC government's good leadership during the recent global financial crisis. The IMF has described South Africa as a classic case of a country building buffers in the good times and using those buffers when the crisis hits, predicting a 3% growth in the country's economy this year. This is yet further confirmation that the country has been in capable hands under the ANC for the past 16 years of constitutional democratic rule.
Continuing with the trend of adhering to sound economic policies under the stewardship of President Jacob Zuma and the Cabinet collective augurs well for the country's future. The steady increase in economic growth also confirms the message articulated by Minister Gordhan in his Budget Speech, when he said:
In recognising the return of growth, we also realise that it will take a few years to reach the levels we achieved in 2007.
Let us salute the ANC-led government for their sterling work in driving good economic policies for greater economic growth. It is indeed true that working together we can do more to alleviate poverty, and create decent and sustainable jobs for our people. Thank you.