Don't forget Budget's pro-poor aspects - Gordhan

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan says that not enough attention has been given to his Budget's alleviation of the plight of the poor.

Gordhan was speaking at a meeting of the National Council of Provinces's finance committee yesterday afternoon.

He was showered with praise for what ANC and opposition MPs agreed was "a good budget".

Gordhan said he felt that much of the comment on his Budget missed an important point.

"Not enough emphasis is put on the budget's focus on the need for the economy to be transformed. Black participation in the economy must increase rapidly, especially in the small business sector," he said.

He said the Budget should allay fears that the government would not implement the National Development Plan, which was fully supported by the cabinet.

He said the capping of state spending was a positive development.

The government's support of the social wage, even in trying economic times, proved its commitment to improving the lives of the poor, Gordhan said.

He spoke about concerns that a future government might deviate from the current fiscal path .

"This Budget lays the foundation for the next three to five years," he said.