Mixed reactions to R158,8 billion budget tabled in KZN legislature

There were mixed reactions by opposition parties over the province’s budget tabled in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature today. MEC for Finance, Francois Rodgers, presented the provincial budget of R158,8 billion.

He said they had to acknowledge that historic budget cuts had put immense strain on the provincial fiscus.

Economic Freedom Fighter MPL, Mongezi Thwala, says the party fully supported the budget, especially the increase in the allocation to education which received R66,7 billion as it would address challenges facing learners.

“We welcome the funding, which was tabled in the house and I think it is going to assist to restore the hope of our people – people of KZN relying on the government to provide services, especially front-line departments such as the departments of health and education, where our kids are still subjected to negative conditions. We, as EFF, are going to ensure that we hold the executive accountable to ensure that these monies are spent accordingly,” says Thwala.

Meanwhile, Musa Mkhize from the uMkhonto weSizwe party rejected the budget and said it didn’t talk to the needs of the poor.

“The MK Party in the legislature does not support the budget as nothing was said about agriculture and 1,7% does not talk to any rural community. Amakhosi … the programmes to support Amakhosi, nothing was said. What they only mentioned is education and the kids will be getting free food and health. Currently, there are no medications,” says Mkhize.

Francois Adrianus Rodgers presents KZN Province Budget