DA: Tougher action needed – MTBPS response

From the South African Press Association

Government needs to take bold decisions and implement tougher measures to get the economy to recover, the DA said on Wednesday.

"It is a difficult time for South Africa, that is why we need bold and strong leadership. Globally, other markets are starting to recover," Democratic Alliance parliamentary leader Mmusi Maimane said outside Parliament.

He was reacting to Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene's 2014 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement delivered in Parliament.

"Other African countries are growing at a higher rate than us… and this tells you there is something wrong that we are doing, not simply an economic climate that we are in."

Nene announced measures to check South Africa's worsening debt outlook, warning the country had reached an economic turning point.

Nene said measures would include capping government spending and raising tax revenues.

Maimane said Nene should have announced tougher interventions to hold those who wasted public funds accountable.

"How do we get back money wasted in Nkandla? There are many interventions that minister Nene simply glossed over while taxpayer's money is wasted and not fulfilling objectives it is meant to achieve," said Maimane. – SAPA