Budget in a Nutshell
REVENUE: The budgeted revenue from tax for 2009/2010 is R693bn, up by 5,6% from R656bn in 2008/2009.
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The Budget In Brief - In his own words
Faced with a possible leftist lurch after the upcoming national election, finance minister Trevor Manuel stuck to long-term principles this week in what many observers believe could be his last budget. In an environment of global economic crisis, he made it clear this was a time for prudence and consistency
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Political overview - Right on the money
Trevor Manuel has been skilful in bringing along the new ANC leadership, while being scathing of the party's more extreme and unrealistic demands
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Economic Overview - Weathering the storm
An unapologetic Trevor Manuel has stuck to his principles in crafting a budget that provides a generous fiscal stimulus but doesn't sell the family silver. And yet, crafted under the darkening shadow of global recession, it fails to inspire the confidence of past budgets
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Social Welfare - A plaster is not enough
With a deepening global economic crisis, which also threatens to thrust more South Africans into poverty, there was keen expectation among social welfare lobbyists of significant increases in the welfare budget to alleviate the pain.
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Financial Mail Editorial

Editorial: A call to action on all fronts
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