Mixed Reactions To R158,8 Billion Budget Tabled In Kzn Legislature

There were mixed reactions by opposition parties over the provinces 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 didnt talk to the needs of the poor.