Thank you Deputy Chairperson, when we said we wanted to see more members of the ruling party in orange, we meant overalls but not necessarily what you are wearing today. [Applause.]
Deputy Chairperson, a budget is drawn up to give effect the promises that government has made to its people. To ensure that we deliver what has been promised, a fine balancing act is required, remembering that the physical envelope has its boundaries and yet there are many needs and imperatives that need to be fulfilled.
In February of each year, the Finance Minister delivers his Budget Speech and there is much horse-trading as interest groups lobby for bigger slices of the pie - a pie which has been ever decreasing as the ruling party has been snacking on the ingredients before the rest of us get a chance to the meal.
The budget sets the agenda for the executive. The money is prioritised and spent where it is most needed. That prioritisation is not done without careful consideration. It must be emphasised that where money appropriated, there are always other departments,