Budget Speech 2026 Conclusion

 

Madam Speaker, the progressive realisation of the fundamental socioeconomic rights enshrined in our constitution is essential to our mission to deal with inequality, poverty and unemployment.

 

It is a mission that demands that we make prudent fiscal choices.

 

With the health of our public finances comes a greater degree of economic freedom and sovereignty.

 

It is this sovereignty that gradually frees us from over-reliance on external debt.

 

It shields us from the inherent uncertainties of global finance and global politics.

 

As we have witnessed over the last few years, the established norms of the global order can shift and be undermined.

 

To achieve our ultimate goal of bettering the lives of our people we must continue pursuing this sovereignty.

 

A budget and a fiscal strategy that advances inclusive growth and the sustainability of public finances is a crucial part of achieving this greater freedom.

 

It moves us closer to fulfilling our constitutional promise to do all that it takes for our people to live with dignity and prosperity.

 

Madam Speaker, I am grateful to the President and Deputy President for their support and leadership.

 

Thank you to the Deputy Ministers of Finance, and the excellent National Treasury team, led by the Director-General.

 

My sincere thanks to the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank.

 

Let me also thank my colleagues in the Ministers’ Committee on the Budget and in the Budget Council who have shared the task of difficult trade-offs that have to be made.

 

Similarly, to the Parliamentary Committees of Finance and Appropriations, I express my sincere appreciation.

 

To my wife and family, it is your encouragement and sacrifice that makes this work possible. Thank you.

 

Madam Speaker, as Commissioner Kieswetter prepares to take his leave at the end of April, I ask this House to join me in thanking him for seven years of patriotic, dedicated service.

 

Commissioner, your unwavering integrity and commitment to operational excellence is an example to all of us.

 

Lastly, I thank every South African. This Budget reflects our shared journey and the belief that together we can build a more equal, more prosperous economy.

 

 

ENDS