Hon Chairperson, hon Deputy President and colleagues, we must drive to continually align our Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals with the National Development Plan of this country. At the current economic growth rate of sub 2%, it is imperative that we focus on creating an economic environment that will boost the economic recovery environment and growth. This we can do largely by creating the necessary space within which our small, medium and micro enterprises can flourish and by utilising the limited fiscal space available to the utmost benefit of our economy.
Wasteful expenditure by government must become a thing of the past. It is high time that government started taking a very serious and responsible look at how they spend taxpayers' money. I have a good story to tell. However, it is not about the ruling party or the government; it is about the nameless South African taxpayers who continue to support this country. The citizens and corporates that comprise our tax base are the real heroes of this country. This government should thank them every day, for without their contributions very little of the infrastructure and social spend would be achieved. However, these taxpayers need to receive value for their money.
Unfortunately there are challenges that face us a country. South Africa is riddled with many dishonest people who, through their stealing, lessen our ability to learn, work and survive. Dishonesty means that state procurement laws are abused and officials steal money from service delivery projects to enrich themselves and their families. Those who are guilty of stealing very often escape public prosecution. People are hired based on their party affiliation and not their competence. State-owned enterprises and departments often cannot function properly because their resources are used to advance the political and financial interests of the elite. Big business steals your money and my money by colluding to fix prices for essential items like bread. Law enforcement officers often break the law by soliciting bribes, hijacking, extorting, pimping, assaulting, raping and murdering those they are meant to protect. I am sure we all in this House agree that corruption is a cancer that is not easy to remove. If allowed to thrive, it becomes the culture that will steal our future.
We as South Africans must not tolerate dishonesty. We must refuse to be part of it. We must report it and we must demand a justice system that punishes it. The IFP believes in fighting corruption with a zero tolerance policy.
The fact that government's net debt continues to grow is a matter of concern. We look forward to seeing how current policy deals with creating more fiscal space in the next three years by reducing the ratio of government debt to gross domestic product.
As the IFP, we will support this Fiscal Framework, but we will watch matters closely as we move forward into the coming years.
In the last 20 seconds I have I wish to say the following. I know that the hon Minister does not reply to the Division of Revenue Bill and this might be his last reply as the Minister of Finance. We as the IFP, and I as a member of the committee, wish the hon Minister well. You have certainly done an admirable job and we trust that the hon President, post the 7 May elections, sees his or her way to retaining you as Minister of Finance. You certainly have unfinished business and we thank you. [Applause.]