Madam Deputy Speaker, with the slow growth and falling revenue, the deficit continues to grow despite the fact that we said it would decrease. With unemployment shrinking and the social grants increasing, we are very likely going to run into problems very soon. We must be reminded about the budget principles of intergenerational equity. Surely, we don't want our future generation to pay for what we are spending on.
Hon Minister, even though you have acknowledged that the economy is not growing enough, and 2,5% growth is not enough to create more jobs, government has been the main employer, and shifting reliance on the private sector to create more jobs is of great concern. The MF strongly believes that the unemployment issue, which currently stands at 33%, has not been thoroughly thought through.
It is evident that the private sector has not played a major role in creating jobs; we don't see that changing. We need a lot more growth. More emphasis, indeed, must be placed on advancing the agricultural fraternity and indeed more focus must be directed towards the small, medium and micro- sized enterprises, the SMMEs, and the informal sector.
However, the MF welcomes the Budget being aligned to the National Development Plan, the NDP, and all departments have a role to play, according to the mandate, to ultimately reach the goals of the NDP. It is not only imperative to state the relevant policy, but to work towards meeting the objectives of the policies is crucial.
We are concerned about the secondary and tertiary tax, and pensioners must not be unfairly taxed. In this regard, the Budget Review does not say how that is going to work. It leaves some unanswered questions; perhaps Treasury should indicate what it entails.
Changing the old-age grants policy, particularly dropping the means test and the adjustment to the secondary and tertiary rebates, is a concern. How will this be implemented? Pensioners must not be disadvantaged.
The MF welcomes the fact that the hon Minister is not running away from our problems and he is dealing with the facts as they are. His creativity of acquiring more tax is overwhelming.
The fact that the expenditure, this year, has already started to decrease, and government's budgets have been cut, shows that the Minister is undoubtedly on the correct path. The strategy to provide a solution to create more revenue is noted. However, we must be mindful that we don't hurt our citizens, especially the vulnerable groups.
Parliament is here to represent the people. As much as we want revenue, we must ensure that the people have a decent level of lifestyle. The MF will support the Budget. I thank you. [Applause.]