TIM COHEN: Budget was somewhat premised on the need for divine intervention
If ever you wanted a riposte to the notion of an arrogant state, the 2019 budget is definitively it
Finance minister Tito Mboweni’s budget speech was full of biblical quotes, which was oddly appropriate. He quoted the biblical passage in Zechariah 8: “For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall be given their due, and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things”. The passage is positive and upbeat. But the true essence of the budget is reflected in Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Over the past decade, the government’s finances have gradually unwound, through poor policy choices, poor implementation, festering corruption and disappointing economic growth. It’s been a sobering and grinding process. The process of decline was insidious because government’s comparatively strong position a decade ago allowed it to argue that loosening the reins was simply a part of “leaning against the wind”. In other words using some of the acc...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.