Budget Speech 2025Conclusion |
Madam Speaker, in conclusion, allow me to reiterate that through the policy choices we have made and the carefully targeted allocations we are proposing, public institutions should be in a better position to continue delivering much needed services to the people.
This budget reflects our collective efforts to chart a path through difficult times to prosperity.
It represents a vision of the future and a realistic assessment of the present, as well as the options available to us right now.
This vision can only be achieved by making difficult but considered policy choices, choices that weigh up the trade-offs and commit to a way forward.
Honourable Members, this budget is the product of the combined and careful consideration of the Cabinet of the Government of National Unity, that has done the difficult and necessary work of assessing the alternatives open to us at the current juncture in our growth journey.
Honourable Members, this budget is also a proposal to you as the Parliament that has been democratically elected to represent the aspirations and interests of all South Africans by confronting the difficult choices needed to move our country forward.
It is in this spirit that I draw on the words of the pan-African leader, Amilcar Cabral, who advised us to:
“Always bear in mind that the people are not fighting for ideas, for the things in anyone's head.
They are fighting to win material benefits, to live better and in peace, to see their lives go
forward, to guarantee the future of their children.”
The policy choices proposed here are about achieving these material benefits. They are about moving South Africa and all South Africans forward into a better, more prosperous and equitable future.
Speaker, as I close, allow me to express my deepest gratitude to the President and Deputy President for their counsel, their support and for their leadership.
Thank you also to the Deputy Ministers of Finance and the excellent National Treasury team led by the Director-General.
Thank you to the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service and the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, for their astute stewardship of these two key institutions.
Thank you to my Cabinet colleagues, the Ministers’ Committee on the Budget, and the Budget Council, who share the heavy load of the tough decisions that we must make to maintain the sustainability of our public finances.
To the Parliamentary Committees of Finance, Appropriations and Public Accounts, I express my sincere appreciation.
To my dear wife and family, your care, understanding and support is a constant source of strength and inspiration. Thank you.
Lastly, thank you to South African people who continue to entrust their aspirations to us.
ENDS