Parties react to budget speech

By Khanyisa Tabata
18 February 2010

Opposition parties have welcomed yesterday’s budget speech by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan agreeing that the budget was fairly balanced.

Congress of the People MP Thozamile Botha said the budget has shown more commitment more especially when it comes to education and rural development.

“We as the Cope welcome the budget but we will keep a watchful eye on the people responsible on allocating the money on relevant departments”, said Botha.

African Christian Democratic Party’s Steve Swart also shared the same sentiment as Cope’s Bota saying the speech was fairly balanced.

“It was quite a budget and we as ACDP welcomed the allocation of money that has been allocated towards, education, health and youth development, it shows that the government is willing to and commitment towards the promises it has made to the people,” Swart said.

Also those who welcomed the speech was the Congress of the South African Trade Union’s General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi who said the speech was fair and it shed light on rural development and youth development, but we will keep a watch full eye on them.