BUDGET 2022: Key opportunity for government to use commodities windfall strategically for economic recovery and job creation
22 February 2022
Following the fiscally sound approach adopted in the Midterm Budget Policy Statement in November 2021, Agri SA eagerly awaits a similarly prudent approach in Minister Godongwana’s maiden Budget Speech address this Wednesday. The short-term revenue from high commodity prices in recent years must be directed towards interventions that will promote sustainable, inclusive, long-term economic growth and job creation. Government must broadly also continue to pursue fiscal consolidation and structural reform.
While South Africa remains in a difficult fiscal position, the public purse has received a short-term boost as a result of high commodity prices over the past two years. Agri SA is hopeful that government will allocate these funds in ways that aid the economy’s recovery, including the agricultural sector.
Agri SA eagerly awaits an update from Minister Godongwana on four strategic priorities to achieve this end.
First, the budget must prioritise investment in critical infrastructure. Working roads, railways and harbours are vital if the agricultural sector in particular is to continue on a firm footing and the economy more broadly is to recover, grow, and create more jobs for South Africans. This growth will in turn accelerate South Africa’s ability to address pressing fiscal challenges facing the country.