Mid-term budget paints a bleak financial picture
THE editorial opinion “Taxing times for SA citizens” (TIOS, October 28) portrays a bleak future for South Africans, especially the poor.
Most of the financial woes the country finds itself in lie on the shoulders of President Jacob Zuma and his cabinet.
The president reshuffles his cabinet like a chess player moving pawns on the board and it is time to “check mate” him.
Moving ministers in critical portfolios like finance and education can only spell disaster for South Africa.
If the business sector changed chief executives like the government they would fail and be out of business.
Does it appear like the replaced finance minister can drop a rand coin on the floor and pick it up, thereby rescuing a failing economy?
It is like asking a carpenter to install a geyser.
There are many who are calling for radical economic transformation, but with no clear plan.
It is quite clear that the intention is to benefit an elite few, but at a cost of further job losses.
This would also scare off potential investors who could create jobs.
What this country needs is radical government transformation for it to prosper.
There is a shortfall of at least R50 billion in revenue collection, so we can expect all sorts of increases in the form of taxes, VAT etc.
I wonder what kind of mediumterm budget axed former minister Pravin Gordhan would have presented instead of the one that reflects government coffers running dry, especially from wasteful expenditure, looting and state capture.