Cracking the trillionaire club not quite the focus of live act
had extracted some response and perhaps comforted that people were not overwhelmed by the thought of various government departments trying desperately to spend R1 000 000 000 000.
But getting into the trillionaire club was not the focus of yesterday’s budget speech, that was a mere aside.
The undoubted focus was the need for all South Africans to pull together if the country is to get anywhere near achieving its amazing potential. Even if the government spends R1.1 trillion there would be little improvement in the country’s current plight characterised by low growth and high inequality.
Creating a sense of national identity and commitment was a theme that percolated through the entire day’s events. At the media conference a few hours earlier Gordhan had said: “We as government are doing X, Y and Z but what are other role players doing? We won’t be able to overcome inequality if we all sit in our respective comfort zones. We must each ask ourselves what am I willing to sacrifice, without sacrifice we won’t be reduce inequality.”
And if we don’t reduce inequality we will not be able to generate the sort of growth the country is capable of.
South Africa’s new story is about building modern infrastructure, Gordhan told Parliament, a vibrant economy, a decent quality of life for all, reduced poverty and decent employment opportunities.
“It is a story that must be written by all of us. Not just by the government. Not just by business. Not just by unions. By all of us, South Africans from all corners of this country.” He talked about an “active citizenry” with “dedicated and honest activists”.
In his overview of the budget he said in John F Kennedy style: “Our development requires everyone of us to ask – what can I do for my country, my people, our future!”
It was sadly ironic that his exhortations did little to encourage participation by the non-anc section of yesterday’s audience.