What \u201call of us want\u201d was central to Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s simple message of economic hope in his budget address on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of us want jobs, thriving businesses, engaged professionals, narrowing inequality, fewer in poverty,\u201d he told parliament.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of us want a new values paradigm, a society at peace with itself, a nation energised by the task of building stronger foundations for our future society and economy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want our government to function effectively, our people to work in dignity, with resources for their families, decent homes and opportunities for their children.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to see progress throughout our land, in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, construction, tourism, science and research, sport and leisure, trade and commerce.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gordhan said the budget was being pitched in a spirit of frankness, \u201cboth about our challenges and the opportunity to turn our economy\u2019s direction towards hope, confidence and a better future for all\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cLow growth, high unemployment, extreme inequality and hurtful fractures in our society \u2013 these are unacceptable to all of us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have a simple message,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are strong enough, resilient enough and creative enough to manage and overcome our economic challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n
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