By Nangamso Mabindla
27 May 2005

THE budget is an exciting one. These are the words of Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela, who commended Mayor Sindisile Maclean for delivering a budget aimed at empowering the City's poor and creating a better future for the younger generations.

Speaking at City Hall on Friday, May 27 Balindlela said, "I would like to congratulate the mayor for his exciting pronouncements here this morning. But let me first comment on aspects of the mayor's speech which pulled at my heart strings."

The budget was in line with her commitment to fighting poverty and other scourges facing the province, the premier said. "I am truly humbled by your commitment never to abandon the poor of the city. We also have the same commitment."

She said it was encouraging to know that Buffalo City planned to improve the future of the city's children, both black and white.

Congratulating City Manager Mxolisi Tsika and his team for a balanced budget, Balindlela said, "This is an extremely rounded budget which shows a strategic equilibrium in investing in social infrastructure to erase our painful past and to promote our people, while being realistic about the globalised world where others hold the key to your success."

She urged the two spheres of government to improve intergovernmental relations, which were seen as a weakness in the system. "Let me close by saying that I leave here very impressed by the strides Buffalo City has made and continues to make."