All set for Gordhan's maiden address

Monday, February 15, 2010

Pretoria - Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan will on Wednesday deliver his maiden Budget Speech amid circumstances dictated to by an unfavourable economic climate.

The minister, who took over from Trevor Manuel in May, will table his Budget Speech at 2pm in Parliament with President Jacob Zuma in attendance.

The annual Budget Speech is a roadmap indicating what aspects of life in South Africa the government has prioritised in terms of financial resources.

In January this year, the Finance Ministry invited all South Africans to send through their tips on what they would like to see in the country's Budget.

Run throughout the year, the campaign ensures active participation in government programmes especially matters related to the economy.

Through the campaign, the public gets an opportunity to send their tips to Gordhan on what they think government's spending priorities should be.

The campaign is in line with government's commitment to public participation and ensures government spending is in line with what is expected from the South African public and gauges issues including education, social services, health, job creation and taxes.

Tips can be sent to Gordhan via the website www.treasury.gov.za or by fax (012) 315-5126 or post to Private Bag X115, Pretoria, 0001 or Pravin Gordhan's page on Facebook.