AHEAD OF the medium-term budget policy statement on Wednesday, pressure mounts for Finance minister Enoch Godongwana.
Soaring inflation, unfavourable economy and unemployment numbers increasing everyday Godongwana has to come up with magic under his sleeves or under that famous hat of his –pun intended.
To make matters worse, SOE’s Transnet and Eskom are facing torrid times as both are in need of fiscus assistance.
The rand is under pressure and trading R18.44 ahead of medium-term budget speech on Wednesday.
Mentioned SOEs and ordinary folks are all at the ministers mercy.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Secretary to Parliament Xolile George has explained that they had asked National Treasury for funds in light of the “unforeseen and urgent expenditure” as a result of the 2 January fire.
“Although we could not receive the amount we requested, we nevertheless received an indication that they will allocate us an amount of R118 million out of the total request we made to help respond to issues,” George told the committee.
National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who was also present at committee meeting, indicated that she had a “good discussion” with Godongwana regarding the restoration of Parliament.
According to Mapisa-Nqakula, restoring Parliament would cost an estimated of R2.2 billion, including furnishings and IT systems.
The Speaker said R300 million would be needed to restore the Old Assembly building, while the National Assembly is expected to cost R1.9 billion to repair.
The Finance minister is also expected to deal with the controversial e-toll matter that seem not to go away.
Question is: how much has been made available for Godongwana to ‘play’ with- it remains to be seen?
Image (Will the finance minister address the e-toll saga amongst others during his Mid- Term Budget address)?
