# North West University economist, Raymond Parsons, says the national budget 3.0 of 21 May must focus on policies that drive at least three-percent job-rich economic growth. This follows a one-percentage point rise in unemployment in the first quarter, as announced by Stats SA. With GDP forecasts cut to 1.5-percent, Parsons says South Africa’s weak growth is now reflected in rising joblessness. He urges a growth-focused budget to reverse trends and improve investor confidence.
Economist says national budget 3.0 must drive economic growth as joblessness rises