“The Budget will send a strong signal as to whether the Government of National Unity has been able to unify on spending priorities, focused on the effort needed to achieve the 3% GDP growth target in the economy by the end of this year. The Budget must facilitate an enabling environment for business, to support the drive for private sector investment that leads to sustainable job creation.”
“It is important for investor confidence and improving the country’s credit ratings that the government demonstrates fiscal discipline – spending within its means, and a path to debt reduction.”
“Priority must be put on initiatives that stimulate economic growth and support investment, particularly in the realm of infrastructure development, especially more detail on the R940bn investment in infrastructure announced in the State of the Nation address. We would like to see acceleration of public-private partnerships, in infrastructure development and particularly to strengthen the rail network and make it more efficient.”
“Business would like to hear answers on the financial challenges facing Transnet and Eskom, and in particular measures to address the ballooning municipal debt to Eskom and how efficiencies at our harbours can be improved to the benefit of the economy.”
“Additionally, urgent focus needs to be placed, at a local government level, to ensure that the required action is taken to address Municipal water, sanitation and electricity infrastructure issues.”
“All in all, the Budget must represent more than just talk and must direct actual action to dramatically improve South Africa’s enabling environment and competitiveness versus other African countries and emerging markets around the globe.”
“As the Bay is the hub of SA’s automotive industry, we would like to hear progress regarding reform of the Automotive Production & Development Plan (APDP), on incentives to support new energy vehicle manufacturing and stimulate consumer demand, as well as measures to support the retention of local vehicle manufacturing and employment.”
“With the right enabling environment in place and backed by concrete actions from government, particularly in terms of addressing key policy issues, we firmly believe that the Bay’s economy has the potential to grow and realise its vision of becoming the Bay of Opportunity,” Denise van Huyssteen, chief executive officer of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber.
