CAPE TOWN –Anti-Poor -The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party have strongly opposed the 2024 Appropriation Bill, labeling it as “anti-poor” and out of touch with the needs of struggling South Africans. As the National Assembly continues debating the bill—seen as the final phase of the protracted budget process—the two opposition parties have vowed not to support it in its current form.
The EFF call Appropriation Bill anti-poor and argue that it does nothing to address the structural issues of poverty, unemployment, and underfunded public services. Their criticisms reflect broader concerns that the current Government of National Unity (GNU) is simply continuing the failed policies of past administrations.
The Appropriation Bill is a key legislative mechanism through which funds are allocated to government departments for the financial year. It comes after the adoption of the national budget and sets the framework for public expenditure. However, this year’s bill has faced unusual delays due to infighting within the newly formed GNU—a fragile coalition of parties attempting to govern in the absence of a clear majority.
During the debate in Parliament, both the EFF and MK Party firmly rejected the bill, citing its failure to address the socio-economic crisis gripping the country.
MK Party representative Sanele Mwali criticized the bill for not dealing with pressing national issues like unemployment, lack of basic service delivery, and the rising cost of living.
“Today, unemployment sits at 43%, with youth unemployment above 60%,” Mwali said. “Food prices are soaring while government is doing little to curb the control of food cartels. This budget fails the poor.”
EFF Calls Appropriation Bill Anti-Poor and Demands Amendments
EFF Member of Parliament, Omphile Maotwe, was equally scathing in her remarks. She accused the GNU of recycling the same budget policies that many of its current members had previously opposed while in opposition.
“This is a copy-and-paste budget from previous years. We are still not sure why some in the GNU now support a budget they rejected in the past decade,” Maotwe said.
The EFF call Appropriation Bill anti-poor because it allegedly neglects critical sectors like health and education. The party is demanding immediate amendments to increase funding for frontline services, especially to hire more doctors and teachers in under-served communities.
“The people of South Africa deserve better. The budget must be amended to prioritize basic education and public healthcare. This is how you uplift the poor,” said Maotwe.
Both opposition parties have raised alarm over the continuity of economic policies that they believe have entrenched inequality and failed to stimulate real growth.
According to the EFF and MK Party, the Appropriation Bill does not reflect a commitment to transformative economic policy. They argue it continues to neglect land reform, industrial development, and job creation, all of which are vital to breaking the cycle of poverty for millions of South Africans.
Critics further argue that the GNU is trying to rush the bill through Parliament without addressing legitimate concerns raised by parties who represent the majority of poor and working-class citizens.
“There is no new direction. Just the same old budget under a different name. The GNU is betraying the people,” said one MK Party MP.
Anti-Poor- In response to the mounting criticism, members of the GNU have defended the bill, stating that it ensures continuity, fiscal discipline, and the ability of departments to function. Treasury officials argue that without the passing of the Appropriation Bill, public servants would go unpaid, and essential services would grind to a halt.
However, that justification has not been enough to convince parties like the EFF and MK, who believe that passing the bill without change would amount to endorsing economic stagnation and ongoing neglect of the poor.
Several civil society organizations have echoed the EFF’s position, stating that the Appropriation Bill should be used to rebalance spending priorities. Groups advocating for education, healthcare, and social justice say the bill must reflect the urgency of South Africa’s humanitarian crisis, with over 18 million people living in poverty and basic services under immense strain.
Economists have also noted the lack of bold fiscal shifts in the bill, calling it “conservative” and “risk-averse” at a time when the country needs aggressive investment in public infrastructure and employment schemes.
Anti-Poor- As the debate rages on in Parliament, the EFF call Appropriation Bill anti-poor continues to frame a deeper political conflict about what kind of economic future South Africa should build. With unemployment at record highs and the public growing restless, the GNU’s budget decisions may set the tone for the country’s next five years.
Whether the Appropriation Bill will be amended remains uncertain, but the EFF and MK Party have made one thing clear—they will not support a bill they believe fails the very people it is meant to serve.
Source- EWN
