Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
05 March 2024 | 13:20 CAT

Tough balancing act: The 2024/2025 budget is to benefit only Lesufi’s SOPA and not Gauteng residents, as per the DA. Image/DA

Gauteng MEC of Finance, Jacob Mamabolo, will deliver his budget speech for the 2024/2025 financial year today. Mamabolo was tough as the province needed help with water and electricity challenges and financial constraints.

The Gauteng MEC of Finance, Jacob Mamabolo, will need help balancing this year’s budget to ensure that the residents of this province receive the service delivery they deserve.

During this year’s SOPA, Premier Lesufi announced a range of initiatives regarding service delivery across the province, from the maintenance of roads to the provision of electricity, water, and waste removal that fall under the municipalities.

However, the main issue is the controversial e-tolls and how Gauteng intends to pay the R12,9 billion debt the national government wants to lump Gauteng with for the unwanted e-tolling system. The Premier has indicated that the province has approached a financial institution for a loan to repay this debt.

But loans attract interest, and the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) would have to find a way to raise additional money to repay the initial loan and the interest it will attract.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is against any system that will replace e-tolls, which will continue to put a financial strain on the residents of this province. Gauteng should not be paying for a road under the national government, as this is where the e-toll gantries are located.

“We are of the view that useless projects, wastage, and corruption could be tackled aggressively. This would free up finances for priorities like curbing load-shedding, ending water shedding, fighting crime, and fixing potholes. Moreover, this would improve investor confidence, and this would create jobs. If the DA is voted into power on 29 May, we will introduce a rescue budget that would secure a better future for the residents of Gauteng,” Ruhan Robinson MPL – DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Finance.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie.