Failure to finalise budget will hurt SA's vulnerable members of society the most - Masondo

JOHANNESBURG - Deputy finance minister and African National Congress (ANC) MP, David Masondo, said that political squabbling over the budget would come at a high price for service delivery.

Masondo's warning about the impact on South Africans comes as MPs prepare to vote on the Appropriation Bill in the National Assembly on Wednesday afternoon.

If it passes, it will bring to a close four months of an intense back-and-forth between parties over government’s spending plans.

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Masondo said that failing to finalise the budget would hurt the vulnerable the most.

In budget 3.0, National Treasury focused on plans to address the persistent spending pressures to restore critical frontline services and invest in infrastructure.

This is part of a broader plan to improve access to basic services and turn the economy around.

The delays in tabling the budget and voting in favour of it mean that from August, government will only be able to spend 10 percent of the previous year’s appropriation budget per month.

Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo: "Our estimation is that by October 2025, the government will be without authority when we reach 100% of last year's appropriation."

He said that the cost to service delivery was insurmountable.

"We should not prolong the passing of this bill because ultimately, it is the most vulnerable members of society who depend on grants, public clinics and schools who will suffer the most."

The EFF and MK Party are expected to vote against the Appropriation Bill, while ANC and DA MPs are expected to vote in favour of it.