Parliament to Release Costs of 2 Failed Budget Speeches, SA Weighs In EFF Claims Its R1,4 Million

• Thoko Didiza promised that Parliament would release the full costs of the two failed budget speeches by the Finance Minister
• Natasha Ntlangwini of the Economic Freedom Fighters asked for the figure to be released, claiming that it was close to R1,4 million
• South Africans weighed in on the issue surrounding the failed budget, with some saying that it was a waste of money

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

WESTERN CAPE – How much did it cost to table the two failed budget speeches?

That figure will be revealed after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) asked for a cost analysis of the money spent on the two previous budget speeches.

The National Assembly (NA) Speaker, Thoko Didiza, stated that Parliament would comply with the request and share the full cost of tabling both budget speeches.

The first speech was due to be held on 19 February 2025, but never went ahead after not all members of the cabinet agreed on the proposed Value-Added Tax hike. The second speech was held on 12 March 2024, but the court ruled it null and void.

Parliament to release the costs of speeches

Following a query by the EFF’s Natasha Ntlangwini, who raised the alarm over R1.4 million spent on the speeches, Didiza stated that the cost would be revealed.

The EFF argued that the money was wasted due to an unlawful budget process.

Didiza explained that Parliament’s expenses covered the necessary facilities for the sessions, while the Department of Public Works was responsible for the venue. The venue was the Nieuwmeester Dome. The Red Berets requested that the Department of Public Works also provide a cost report.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will hope it's third time lucky as he prepares deliver a third budget speech on 21 May.

African National Congress Chief Whip not impressed

African National Congress Chief (ANC) Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli criticised the EFF’s appeal, stating that some of the facts were being distorted.

He argued that the sitting on 12 March could not be seen as a waste, because the speech was held on that day.

“The one that could not take place in February, I understand that concern, and I fully agree that a written response will be made, including that Public Works will provide their own information as well, but I am concerned that the argument relating to the 12th. In my view, that doesn’t hold because we had a sitting on that day,” Ntuli added.

South Africans weigh in on budget speech bill

Social media users weighed in on the issue, with many expressing disappointment with the money lost.

Yogan Damodharan said:

“Wasteful expenditure of two budgets. That is why Parliamentarians have sided with VAT increases.”

Dave Ueckermann added:

“They are not sharing any costs; it's the taxpayers’ money.”

Mayibongwe Mangaliso Mazibuko stated:

“Oh Lord, I don't want to know those numbers. You could probably build five schools with that amount.”

William Ndlovu added:

“A waste of money. While South Africans are struggling with job opportunities. There is no way forward for South Africa.”

Philip Sasman exclaimed:

“And you expect us, the poor citizens, to foot your stupid decisions.”

Noel Erasmus said:

“Incompetent wannabees😂😂😂.”

Finance Minister to present third budget speech

Briefly News reported that Enoch Godongwana will present a new budget to the National Assembly on 21 May 2025.

The Finance Minister has to draft a new budget after the Western Cape High Court set aside the last one.

All eyes are on how the minister will cover the R75-billion revenue shortfall as a result of the scrapped VAT increase.

Source: Briefly News