The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Wednesday passed the Appropriation Bill, concluding the legislative journey of the 2025/26 budgetary process within Parliament.

The Bill, the first introduced by the Government of National Unity (GNU), received a generally smooth passage during its consideration earlier in the day.

The MK Party and EFF objected to each department budget, while the Freedom Front Plus abstained on the vote of the Department of Employment and Labour.

A total of 51 delegates to the NCOP voted in favour of the Appropriation Bill, with support from the ANC, DA, IFP, Freedom Front Plus, Patriotic Alliance, and the UDM.

The EFF and MK Party voted against with nine votes.

“Accordingly the Bill is agreed to in terms of Section 75 of the Constitution,” said NCOP chairperson Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane when she announced the voting results.

The Bill will now be sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa for assent and government departments allocated funds will start implementing their approved spending plans.

ANC MP Cecilia Sylvia Nxumalo said the budget will improve the three priorities of the GNU, support infrastructure development, and allocate funds for the social protection programme.

“We will ensure robust oversight and accountability of allocated funds. We call on all accounting officers to take decisive action against mismanagement of funds and the findings of the Auditor-General should be responded to effectively,” said Nxumalo.

DA MP Denis Ryder said the Budget proposals reflected a compromise position that can take South Africa forward.

“What we have today is a product of strong political and technical engagement and application. What we have today is a Budget that deserves a chance to show South Africa what can be done,” said, Ryder, adding that VAT increases were avoided and they have seen a move against tainted ministers.

He also said that while no budget was perfect, balancing the many needs and desires of people within limited resources meant that there would always be disappointments.

“This is a symptom of a lack of economic growth. If this Budget is to succeed, it needs a strong focus on the little we have on projects that ignite growth and create jobs for ordinary South Africans while cutting wastage and corruption activities.”

Ryder also said it was important that the portfolio committee ensured funds were spent efficiently and the spending reviews were important to do the right thing for the people.

MK Party’s Mmabatho Mokoena said her party would not pretend the Budget was for the people.

“In reality, it is a lifeline for your corrupt politicians, failing and bloated departments that can never deliver a simple toilet without a scandal. You call it the appreciation bill. We call it a misappropriation bonanza,” Mokoena said.

“The MP Party objects loudly and proudly because we were not sent here to clap for crumbs. We were sent here to hold the line for the poor, the hungry, and the forgotten.”

EFF MP Mathapelo Siwisa said they could not agree to an austerity Budget.

Siwisa said they made proposals on all departments to express the frustrations and desperation of the people.

“We don’t object to the departments’ budgets. When we stand up here and reject the proposed Budget, we are not objecting to service delivery. We are objecting to a senseless Budget. This Bill is a mockery to our people as it misses critical funding in basic education, health, road, and water infrastructure,” she said, adding that the Bill should be amended.

IFP MP Les Govender said the allocation of budgets to every department was essential.

“If we do not give budgets to those departments, how do we provide services to the very people that I’m surprised that we parties are saying we object to the Budget, but they want services to their people now, here to speak in their interest.

“Now, if you take municipalities, for example, they are the core of service delivery. If you do not allocate budgets to them, how do they give services to our people?” Govender said.

Freedom Front Plus MP Tamarin Breedt noted that the majority of spending allocation was to essential services like education, health, and social development.

“The VF Plus remains concerned about value for money. Billions are appropriated, but outcomes remain disappointing, especially at the local government level.”

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za

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