ANC STATEMENT ON THE TABLING OF THE REVISED 2025 BUDGET @KASIBC_NEWS

ANC STATEMENT ON THE TABLING OF THE REVISED 2025 BUDGET  @KASIBC_NEWS 

South Africans are awaiting in anticipation as the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana tables the revised 2025 Budget, the Appropriation Bill and the Division of Revenue Act. This follows a broad process of consultation to deliver a budget that is transformative and developmental, one that drives the imperatives of development, protects the poor, boosts investor confidence, creates jobs and stimulates the economy. 

The ANC continues to provide leadership in moments of uncertainty. Working together with political parties, civil society, labour and business on a common vision of prosperity and development, in fostering national consensus and social compact, a peoples’ budget is a recipe that unites the country behind the common vision and agenda of development through a fiscal framework that elevates the poor to the apex of transformation. 

The ANC applauds those who have contributed to this milestone across the ideological divide. The interests of the country came first, transcending narrow political interests, grandstanding and cheap politicking.  

The developmental nature of this budget should prioritise the workers, the poor and the working class. It should cushion the vulnerable sectors of society from the economic hardships, the unaffordable high cost of living, invest in people, pursue a developmental macroeconomic framework and put South Africa to work through our jobs plan, improve education, skills and ensure health care for all.  

To achieve these, the budget spending should prioritise the following areas: 

● Learning and culture; early childhood development 

● Health  ● Housing ● Public Transport 

● Infrastructure ● Debt service ● SARS 

Buoyed by the recent S&P credit rating, South Africa is on a positive recovery and growth path, that is economically and politically stable. This boosts investor confidence and growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  Investment in the South African Revenue Services (SARS) will stabilise the fiscus, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of SARS for sustainable revenue collection. 

The ANC advocates for alternative revenue streams to supplement existing revenue streams, but most importantly to safeguard the poor from economic hardships and o narrow the budget deficit and to give effect to the priorities outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) The budget should prioritise food security, including VAT exemption on essential items. This exemption should be expanded on basic necessities. 

Investing in healthcare and strengthening health services is a catalyst towards universal access to health, inclusivity and equality through the National Health Insurance Act (NHI) and infrastructure as a job creation and economic development are key drivers. Education and early childhood development are a priority for accessible quality education to open the doors of learning, as we endeavour to invest in the future of our children. 

In the labour market, the ANC is committed to ensuring diversity and equity, securing decent living wages that are aligned with inflation. Currently, South Africans face economic hardship due to a pay regime that is not aligned with the rising cost of living. 

This must change. This is the transformation that the ANC advocates for. We remain steadfast and unwavering in our support for the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), which affirms that “All shall share in the country’s wealth.” Transformation is essential and non-negotiable. As the frontline of service delivery, local government’s close proximity to communities makes it essential for improving quality of life. 

Investment in local government will enhance basic services, upgrade roads and water infrastructure and strengthen the capacity of local authorities to effectively fulfill their service delivery mandates. It is through organizational development and a review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government are crucial steps toward achieving improved basic services. As the Minister tables this budget, there is a need for comprehensive reviews to assess the quality and impact of our spending. 

The government cannot continue to invest without regard to efficiency when the country’s needs are urgent and critical. Based on our engagements, consultations and vision for our country, the budget must reflect the aspirations of the people, improve their quality of life and promote development for a better future for all. 

We trust that Parliament will come together and act in the best interests of the people, rather than engaging in political grandstanding, populism, misinformation or petty point-scoring that undermine development and transformation. 

The ANC remains committed to working tirelessly to mobilize society and all social partners to ensure the successful passing of this budget.