NCOP to vote on R2.3 trillion budget bill

The R2.3 trillion spending plan — approved by the National Assembly last week — outlines allocations across national departments, provinces, and municipalities.

Once passed by the NCOP, the bill will be sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa for assent, marking the final stage of the national budget process.

Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the approval of the bill is critical to ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential government services.

"The appropriation bill was passed by the National Assembly on Thursday last week and subsequently transmitted to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence. The NCOP is scheduled to consider this bill during its sitting on Wednesday the 30th of July and once adopted it will be forwarded to the President for signing into law and this will mark the crucial final step in the national budget process.".

He further explained that passing the bill within four months of the financial year’s start is a legal requirement, allowing departments to begin spending their allocated funds and allowing Parliament to begin its oversight responsibilities.

"Parliament continues to monitor spending through oversight committees. The Auditor General audits spending and reports back to Parliament, and where mismanagement or other spending issues arise, Parliament can take corrective steps through its oversight mechanism."

While the bill passed in the National Assembly with 262 votes in favour and 90 against, several opposition parties voiced strong criticism.

The ANC, DA, IFP, Freedom Front Plus, ActionSA, ACDP, UDM, Rise Mzansi, BOSA, Al-Jama-ah, the PAC, and the Good Party supported the bill.

However, the EFF, MK Party, ATM, National Coloured Congress (NCC), and United Africans Transformation (UAT) rejected it.

MK Party MP Wesley Douglas labelled the bill "fiscally flawed and morally bankrupt," citing high debt repayments and insufficient economic relief measures.

"This bill is a financial illusion. It involves the slashing of hospitals, the closing of schools, and a debt service of R1 billion per day," he told Parliament during debate.

EFF MP Omphile Maotwe raised objections to each line of appropriation, arguing the bill fails to address critical vacancies in health and education.

"There is no amendment to hire the 9,000 unemployed doctors or to increase education funding to eliminate teacher vacancies and pit toilets."

Budget Breakdown

According to the bill, R1.2 trillion will be allocated to national departments such as health, education, and policing, while R1.1 trillion will fund social grants, transfers to provinces and municipalities, and debt service costs.

An additional R180 billion over the next three years will go toward infrastructure development, salary adjustments for public servants, COVID-19 relief extensions, and hiring unemployed professionals.

House Chairperson Cedric Frolick defended the bill, saying it balances fiscal responsibility with service delivery priorities.

During committee deliberations, both the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) and the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC) raised concerns, warning that underfunding in trade, science, and small business development could hinder long-term growth.

Should the NCOP vote in favour on Wednesday, the bill will be forwarded to the president for signing, officially unlocking funds for use in the current financial year.

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