President Ramaphosa’s leaked ANC lekgotla address hints loan needed for vaccine rollout
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hinted that the country may need to borrow more money to foot the bill for the rollout of the vaccine.
In his leaked address to the African National Congress (ANC) lekgotla being held on Friday, the president said the programme was a public good that was vital to the wellbeing of all South Africans.
He added that it was correct that public funding should be used even if it meant increasing public borrowing.
Treasury warned earlier this week that it may have to increase taxes to raise the funds for the vaccines aimed at creating herd immunity by inoculating at least 40 million people.
The pandemic is set to ravage the global economy, however here at home, it may push public debt levels close to 100% of GDP sooner than projected.
In the address, Ramaphosa states that Finance Minister Tito Mboweni will outline the funding challenges while guaranteeing that funds to save people’s lives will be made available even if money has to be borrowed.
Just last year, Treasury secured loans from the International Monetary Fund, New Development Bank, and the African Development Bank for the COVID-19 response.
However, it also recently admitted that it had no money to fund the vaccines, which have already been ordered with the first batch expected next week.
Ramaphosa said they were also engaged in talks with the private sector for companies to make a further contribution, either into a pooled fund or where employers cover vaccination at workplaces.
-EWN
In other news – Junior De Rocka under fire for allegedly cheating on pregnant Ntando Duma with his girlfriend
Mzansi musical artist Junior De Rocka has come under fire by trolls for the “truth” behind his relationships with girlfriend Asanda and ex, actress Ntando Duma.
Though Junior and Ntando’s rocky split may be far behind the couple in their journey of raising their daughter Sbahle Mzizi, it seems as if trolls have reopened wounds of the past. Learn More
