In a bid to cover the length and breadth of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) with provincial budget matters, First National Bank (FNB) and KZN Treasury forged a partnership to take budget discussion to both business people and community of Jozini, in Mkhanyakude District, North of KwaZulu-Natal.
The purpose of the budget outreach is to educate and inform the people about financial matters of the province and to break down the provincial budget presented by MEC for Finance, Ina Cronjé early March, 2013 as well as to solicit input on the budget. This is KZN Treasury’s second post-budget roadshow since the presentation of the provincial budget at the Legislature, in Pietermariztburg.
In the same events, Jozini Municipality also presented their own municipal budget with a view to informing the locals about the financial position of the municipality. Speaking on behalf of the sponsor, Nick Montso, Regional Director for Public Sector Banking at FNB, said, “As a bank, we deal with money and KZN Treasury is entrusted with public funds. But most importantly, the business of handling finances starts with the family.
That is why we thought it is best that we take part in this business breakfast as we share with KZN Treasury the responsibility of talking about the business of managing finances better.”
He said they intend to continue to support the KZN Treasury initiatives in a bid to ensure that the community is well informed about financial management.
Making her presentation, Cronjé emphasised that what is more significant about this budget is that the province could plan and pay for new projects in 2013/14 because the government has saved in the previous financial year, budgeted for emergencies and also ensured that the province does not borrow money, but instead earns interest on a positive bank account.
The District Mayor of uMkhanyakude, Cllr Jeff Vilane, said that the provincial budget information is very useful for his district and will empower people to participate effectively in the shaping of their future.
Part of the challenges raised by the business people include not having the market to sell the produce by the farmers from Makhathini Flats, difficulty in accessing bank loans as well as business finance from financial institutions.
For more information:
Musa Cebisa
Cell: 071 6878 777
