IMF’s confidence in SA shows NDP objectives can be met: Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s showing appreciation of the country’s steady growth and upwardly revising its growth projections, South Africa is on course to meet its National Development Plan (NDP) objectives.

In 2012, Cabinet adopted the NDP as the country’s economic blueprint aimed at eliminating poverty and inequality by 2030 through growing an inclusive economy among others.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Extended Cabinet Lekgotla on Wednesday, Minister Ntshavheni said despite the economic hardships, the NDP objectives are within reach.

“Our ambition to achieve the 3 percent growth by the end of term is possible. We have been seeing the revision upwards by the IMF continuously even when we go MTBPS and also now they have done it and it is bolstering to government in terms of our ability to proceed. Equally in December, Stats SA released a report that has shown that even if we didn’t eliminate poverty but we have started to chip away on the levels of poverty in the country. There has been an improvement so therefore in terms of our targets for the NDP, we are on course so that is progress and that’s what encourages us as we gather to have this conversation.”