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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY -
THE DA’s ALTERNATIVE NATIONAL BUDGET 2004
1. INTRODUCTION
The economic success of South Africa is dependant on our ability to speed up economic growth and at the same time create jobs.
In order to achieve these goals, we need:
MORE REAL JOBS
More Employment Opportunities – Companies and households need incentives to employ more labour.
More Fixed Investment – The level of domestic saving has to be increased and we need to become a desirable destination for foreign investment.
More Skills - South Africans require better training and education to allow us to build, create and earn in a knowledge economy.
LESS CRIME AND CORRUPTION
The safety of our lives and property has to be guaranteed so that we have freedom to live and grow.
A REAL COMMITMENT TO FIGHTING HIV/AIDS
A clear, deliberate plan to combat the disease needs to be implemented immediately to treat those who are infected and prevent further transmissions.
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Various other interventions are also required to support these goals. These include policies to fight poverty, enhance the efficiency of government, accelerate land redistribution and rebuild our transport infrastructure.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
The DA believes that growth rates in excess of 6% will not only contribute considerably to alleviating South Africa’s unemployment crisis, but will also, through increased revenue intake, release more funds for public expenditure and poverty alleviation1. The overall welfare effect of a higher growth rate cannot be underestimated - higher economic growth must therefore be non-negotiable.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ALTERNATIVE BUDGET
The National Budget is the most effective tool that government can use directly to improve the lives of South Africans. Used properly, the budget can:
- indicate policy priorities,
- provide public goods and services, and
- stimulate demand and growth in our economy.
The DA’s Alternative National Budget is a practical guide to the fiscal consequences of policies the DA would adopt in order to achieve the goals we have set ourselves.
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