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Report on the Civil Society Budget Forum, Mbabane - 27 March 2003
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3. Comments
Minister of Finance, Mr. Majozi Sithole
The minister made comments after the presentations. He made clarifications on concerns raised by panellists. Below are the Ministers comments directed to the three panellist.
In response to Mr. Hlophe’s presentation he said:
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Constitutional review would address issues of good governance.
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Gave clarification that government had a well-balanced team looking at fiscal restructuring. This means that government will not increase taxes but will be effective in collecting taxes and monitoring tax policies.
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The jet was not recommended by the central agencies, hence no reason to discuss the issue.
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The Prime Minister’s office justifies delegation during official travel. It was proposed that a committee be established to manage external travels.
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Royal trips need to be coordinated by one ministry and that will help in managing the budget.
In response to professor Ojo’s presentation the minister said:
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More needs to be done to realise the vision 2022.
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With regards the economics of irrigating maize , he felt returns are higher in sugar cane and that the maize market is too narrow.
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On food security there is two sides of the situation. Produce what you can and that which you want.
In response to Mr. Mndzebele’s presentation the minister:
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Apologised for not having specific figures saying programmes to accommodate the priority areas are scattered all over
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Concured that there is a need to control expenditure strengthening social sectors than defence.
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Said the participation in development of budget is at its pilot stage. Through the mid- term expenditure framework which would be months before being finalised, input from all stakeholders in the country, would be situated.
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