Gordhan keeps cool in hot seat
FINANCE Minister Pravin Gordhan strode into Parliament yesterday a man under siege, but his demeanour defied the threats of his removal from office and prosecution by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
On the podium of the National Assembly Gordhan outlined key government projects and fiscal challenges for the next three years without flinching.
Even when he was briefing the media before he tabled his medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS), Gordhan pleaded to focus on the mini budget.
When he walked into the National Assembly he stuck to the script and went through the speech and crunched the numbers where necessary.
His case in court next Wednesday, exactly a week from presenting his MTBPS, was the last thing on his mind.
His presentation of the speech and the work that needed to be done to fix the country and its ailing economy left many MPs and the packed public gallery in the National Assembly forgetting he faces the NPA next week and will have to wait until the courts clear his name.
This is a case that has been described by some as baseless and a smokescreen.
Gordhan’s speech focused on the state of the economy, how to get things right and make the country better again.
He remained relaxed at the podium despite the pressure continuing to mount against him. However, Gordhan’s composure and balance in giving a speech that said all the right things investors wanted pointed to the growth trajectory that the government is focusing on.
He insisted on structural reforms in the economy to turn the tide against sluggish growth. The economy is facing a bloodbath if more jobs are shed in different sectors by the end of the year.
Right signals Figures presented by Statistics SA recently did not present a good picture.
It was left to Gordhan, on one of his toughest days, to send the right signals to the rating agencies, which will be here for another review in December.
Despite questions on political uncertainty, Gordhan kept repeating the message he had been giving to investors in the US earlier this month, that South Africa was open for business.
President Jacob Zuma acknowledged in the National Council of Provinces the day before, that Gordhan had received huge public support from business, religious leaders and civil society over his fight with the NPA.
But during yesterday’s MTBPS, Gordhan struck a well-balanced speech that was in the best interest of the nation. He said out of the problems and troubles we might have or face, the interest of the country should come first.
The thunderous reception he received during his opening and closing remarks reflected a sign of solidarity and support for him despite his difficulties.