“The Minister of Finance has a very difficult budget to deliver at a time when high living costs, low savings rates, and the current energy crisis are significant obstacles to economic growth. TLU SA calls on the minister to sharpen his pencil to prevent deficiencies due to government overspending,” says Erika Helm, chairperson of TLU SA’s local government committee.
Minister Godongwana is expected to deliver his budget speech in Cape Town tomorrow, 22 February at 14:00, which will also be broadcasted on DStv channel 408.
Helm continues by referring to the financial pleas from institutions such as Transnet and SAA, which also need to be rescued and rely on government assistance, just as Eskom does. “These institutions need to be helped within the budget. The minister should also take into account that load shedding has a negative impact on profitability and tax collection, which in turn results in a smaller national treasury. The entire infrastructure regarding water supply and road repairs should also receive ongoing attention. It’s not just electricity supply that is in trouble.”
TLU SA’s 2023 budget wishlist also includes:
- Prioritise safety.
- Diesel rebates for farmers who need to keep the production process running due to load shedding.
- Reduce the number of government officials.
- Disaster management around infrastructure.
- Service delivery – corruption must be tackled within state institutions such as municipalities.
- Focus on the country’s economic growth.
- State debt must be brought under control.
- Communication needs urgent attention.
- Social grants should be stopped.
Bennie van Zyl, general manager of TLU SA, emphasises that all of these problems that need to be addressed are due to a government failing its country. “Feedback on the promises made last year will be a good place to kick off tomorrow’s budget speech so that the public can know whether these promises realised at all. Promises need to be carried through actively and liability for every single promise should be accepted. Otherwise, a budget means nothing.”
