This shows that sound policies and good management are the drivers behind the good story that we are telling. Great results like this allow government to spend on pertinent issues like a livable increase in social grants for poor and marginalised communities. The MF welcomes this, and we will consistently advocate a greater increase and an inclusive basket of services for all the people, be it health, housing, basic services or other aspects.
Furthermore, we commend the Minister for not bending the knee to lower taxes in an election year and, by implication, decreasing the revenue in order to score cheap political points. Contrary to this, the DA campaigned hard for tax cuts for everyone. This is understandable, as the DA will do anything to protect their elite support base. However, tax cuts for the rich, the millionaires, in our country will not help right the wrongs of the past. They will be there, and indeed they will not cover the hardship of our national debt. Parties must not come, like the DA, and blow hot air.
Yes, with our country's deficit we do indeed acknowledge that we will be spending more than we have, but people are unemployed, poverty is rife and the gap between the rich and the poor is increasing. Deficit or no deficit, we simply must do more to ensure that we are delivering to these destitute communities.
Let us not allow the rest of the country to end up like the sad story of the Western Cape, with its growing gap between the rich and the poor. Let us instead do all that we can to achieve realistic goals to keep on telling the good story of our 20 years of democracy, which is indeed associated with President Zuma's administration and, of course, Madiba's inspirational and spiritual guidelines, which serve as a protective shield. The MF will support the Budget and the framework. [Time expired.] [Applause.]