Hon Chairperson and hon members, the ANC supports the Adjustments Appropriation Bill and the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, MTBPS. In his state of the nation address, President Ramaphosa said, "Our economy is not growing. Not enough jobs are being created. This is the concern that rises above all others."
This debate is taking place in the midst of a challenging economic climate. Economic growth is low and is revised downward from 1,5% to 0,5%. We are currently facing a challenging macroeconomic environment internationally. So hon Sarupen, we know the challenges that this government is facing.
Given the current economic challenges, there is a need to discourage underspending on allocated budgets. As the ANC, we made a commitment to intensify the fight against unemployment, inequality and poverty. Hence, we cannot continue underspending on critical sectors that government has identified as an integral part of the transformation agenda, such as the industrial master plan.