Govt’s response to students, communities

Finance Minsiter, Pravin Gordhan says government is responding to action in communities where services are missing or badly managed.

Tabling his budget amid ongoing protests at some of the country’s universities, Gordhan said government is crafting solutions to the voices of students regarding fees and housing.

“I need to emphasise that violent protest is not an acceptable way of articulating these challenges.

“Also, in these and other areas, the choices we make cannot meet every need, and the action we require involves collective action by many stakeholders,” he said.

Regarding energy, Gordhan said the energy investment amounts to R70 billion this year and will be over R180 billion over the next three years, as construction of the Medupi, Kusile and Ingula power plants is completed.

On transport and roads, Gordhan said there is R3.7 billion to upgrade the Moloto Road, R30 billion for provincial roads maintenance, R18 billion for bus rapid transit projects in cities and refurbishment of over 1700 Metrorail and Shosholoza Meyl coaches.

To get a full analysis of Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan’s budget speech, get your copy of The Citizen at your nearest news agent tomorrow.