In the build-up to the tabling of the third edition of the 2025 National Budget next Wednesday, the division between National Treasury and the rest of our society is once again laid bare. Parliament, many political parties, labour, civil society, and the general public have all vehemently rejected National Treasury's long-standing policy of austerity. This political consensus means that the upcoming budget must cement the break from spending cuts and utilise the National Budget to achieve inclusive growth. Critical to this is the adoption of measures to raise additional revenue. These measures are required to ensure previously proposed and critically needed increases to social and economic priorities are met. Failing to do so, will have devastating consequences for those who rely most on South African public services.

Dalli Weyers