Hon Chairperson, hon members, to create jobs, Finance Minister Gordhan says our economy must grow at a rate of 6%, while the Financial and Fiscal Commission says 9%. The DA says 8%. Zambia, this week, set its economic goal at 8%. To get there, our economy needs a shock, but the Department of Trade and Industry gives it a gentle prod. Our trade mission network is not primed for high growth in Southeast Asia, the Bric countries and Africa.
There are no plans to expand our trade missions in this budget. Our advantage status, as the gateway to Africa, is slipping to Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt, said The Economist on 2 June. We are not leading the African Renaissance. The department's Industrial Policy Action Plan, Ipap, has some virtues, but it is an unfocused and dissipated effort.
This budget will not kick the economy into higher gear. What will? Ramping up our energy provision will, getting ready for another commodities boom will, emergency education programmes to train skilled workers and managers in a more flexible, collective bargaining arrangement will, and, most of all, real leadership will.
Government is not listening to its own National Planning Commission. The hon Gordhan is steadfast in his balanced approach, but he waits in dignified expectation for presidential support. In our view, he waits in vain. Hon Chairperson, the DA does not support this Budget Vote. Thank you.