Political Parties Set Expectations Ahead of Budget Speech. 

By: Bright Ntuli

Political parties have started outlining their expectations ahead of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s budget speech on Wednesday.

The trade union federation Saftu has stated it expects yet another anti-worker and anti-poor budget when the minister tables the budget in Parliament.

The government is under pressure to find ways to reduce debt, implement pro-growth policies, and support struggling state-owned enterprises.

Saftu’s spokesperson, Newton Masuku, has said that the budget will entrench the neoliberal economic agenda that has left millions of South Africans in poverty and unemployment.

Masuka elaborates;

Meanwhile, the South African National Christian Forum is urging Minister Enoch Godongwana to increase social grants at least to match the rising cost of living.

The forum’s president, Marothi Mashashane, has said that the starting point for the minister should be helping the poor and working to address the economic and social factors that contribute to poverty and inequality.

Mashashane elaborates;