As Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan prepares to deliver his first Medium Term Budget Policy Statement on Tuesday afternoon, he faces competing expectations.

The left wants to see a commitment to more social spending, whilst opposition parties are calling for him to retain the current macro-economic policy.

Civil society organisation The Black Sash said it was hoping to hear a call for more efficient use of taxpayers' money.

The group said it did not expect any cuts in social spending despite significant fiscal pressure as a result of the recession.

Black Sash Advocacy Programme Manager Elroy Paulus said government would have to make priority choices.

"The Black Sash would very much want to priorities to be focused?and have our leaders act with integrity and have our leaders act with constraint and restraint."