The African National Congress has welcomed Tuesday's medium term budget's focus on health and education.

The party said its national conference in Polokwane last year identified health and education, amongst others, as the centre of the ANC's social transformation programme for the next five years.

"We are, therefore, pleased that R344 million has been earmarked for the school nutrition programme and R390 million for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme."

The ANC said it also welcomed the expansion of no fee schooling to cover 60 percent of learners.

It was also pleased at the increase for the school nutrition programme from R1.9 billion this year to R4.6 billion in three years.

An increase in teachers for poor schools and increased spending on school infrastructure, including for Grade R, was welcomed.

The ANC said SA had not been immune to the global financial crisis,as seen with the increase in food prices.

"We are pleased that the Medium Term Budget demonstrates a
commitment to decreasing rural poverty by taking steps to raise rural incomes and improve livelihoods by extending access to land and support for emerging farmers."