The MTBPS was tabled amidst challenges of subdued growth in the world's economy. The global outlook continues to deteriorate as the European debt and banking crisis remain unresolved. South Africa faces particular challenges such as a decrease in revenue collection, increase in government debt and recent domestic events such as the mining labour disputes. In an effort to respond to the challenges posed by the prevailing economic environment, the Minister of Finance pointed out the need to sustain public sector infrastructure investment, address the domestic and structural imbalances that permeate the country's socio-economic landscape and institute measures to ensure that government realises value for money in its expenditure. Furthermore, shifts in the composition of expenditure are being made towards infrastructure investment, economic competitiveness and education and health care. In doing this, consideration must be given to the maintenance of discipline in administrative costs and consumption spending. Despite the reduction in revenues, the Minister highlighted the opportunity to expand infrastructure investment, broaden the social wage and continue with efforts at a revival of investment in productive activity. Better planning in government for projects including those that are still in the pipeline as well as the implementation of reforms in provincial and municipal infrastructure delivery will be critical moving into the future.