... so it is a fallacy that the opposition should cry foul and agitate the community to revolt against the government because of the high level of unemployment. [Interjections.]
As far as adequacy is concerned, the 2011 Budget acknowledges that the people want action, jobs and growth now. A new common purpose must be built so that all the talents, skills and resources to tackle the socioeconomic challenges can be used to improve their own lives and communities. It also acknowledges that South Africa needs the New Growth Path and that the key challenges are job creation, poverty reduction and faster economic growth, that the capacity of the economy needs to be expanded to grow sustainably, and that growth must be more labour-absorbing.
The ANC, as the champion of the poorest of the poor ... [Interjections.] ... has made provision for the phased extension of the child support grant up to the child's 18th birthday, while the state old age pension and the disability grant also increase. More than 8 million South Africans receive over 15 million social grant benefits depicted as follows: 10 million grants are for child benefits; 2,5 million grants are benefits for older persons; and 1,3 million grants are for people with disabilities.
In conclusion, this Budget Vote's focus is consistent with the ANC's policy priorities. It recognises the growing levels of poverty and unemployment and the changing needs of the majority of South Africans. It further recognises that since 1994 the democratic breakthrough government, through the budget of this department, has provided immense ...