South Africa is undergoing a SEA CHANGE

The mid-term budget has shown clearly that for the first time since 2018 when Ramaphosa became president; thus precipitating a downwards trajectory in the country; there are forces at play now that indicate that a new climate of cautious optimism is taking over the hearts and minds of the population in a big way.

The centrist portion of the electorate, including the poor, unemployed and up to this point, totally disillusioned people in our country are now starting to realise that the results of the recent general election; followed by the creation of the GNU has brought them new hope that our country has the potential once again, to not only survive, but take the first steps towards a new future.

The ANC members are now starting to feel that increasingly, the ground is shifting under their feet; they have lost the ability to control the present and future, and that the only way they can survive merely as a political party is to capitulate with the GNU, reluctantly give up their dreams of hegemony and collaborate with the rising stars who are showing their mettle in a big way, in restoring infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, education, the rule of law and ruthlessly eliminating corruption in all its forms … the list goes on and on …

Various spokespersons in the DA gathered together to comment on the Mid-Tem Budget; saying firstly, that it was the first time that the DA had actively participated in the drawing-up of a budget.

Participants said that many policies that the DA had been pushing for, without much success, have now been adopted into the budget.

The mid-term budget undertakes to do the following

1. Hugely important is the decision to cease bailing-out SOEs entirely; which will immediately free-up money that can then be invested into infrastructure sch as putting more nurses doctors and social workers into hospitals, employing more teachers, which will improve the standard of education from preschool all the way up to tertiary level and ultimately PHDs; which will ultimately benefit and raise standards in commerce, the legal profession, engineering and everything else, incuding the arts.
2. Another topic that was discussed was the need to bring members and companies in the private sector into the picture, so they can collaborate on service delivery projects; which will bring benefits to poorer communities; thereby reducing unemployment and making life easier for business owners and employees alike. It must be borne in mind, however, that businesses are reluctant to invest in projects that are located in areas with little or no infrastructure.
3. One of the speakers said that the DA was working on a strategy to reduce national debt – well; we will all be wa1ting with bated breath for that to happen!

Regarding the vital need for improving infrastructure, a point was made concerning the state of the roads; particularly in rural areas. In some cases ambulances are unable to reach patients because of the poor state of such roads.

Dean McPherson, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is continuing to do a stirling job; and his stated target of turning South Africa into a construction site is inspiring, and the new mid-term budget should assist him in that endeavour.

A;lso, there has been a lot of talk about lowering the cost of essential items being sold in supermarkets; whch should be zero-rated for tax, but the process is taking far too long; even to the point where entire families sometimes commit MASS SUICIDE BECAUSE THEY CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO LIVE! due to the meagre level of social grants.

NOW THAT BAILNG OUT SOEs IS NO LONGER AN OPTION; MONEY THAT WAS EARMARKED FOR THAT PURPOSE CAN NOW BE REDIRECTED TOWARDS INCREASING SOCIAL GRANTS! and improving infrastructure.

A concerted effort needs to be made to reduce the tax burden on the poor in particulat.

Ths budget will also be good news for young people as their chances of becoming better educated, healthier and getting jobs should definitely be enhanced, should it all happen as envisaged.