ActionSA MP Alan Beesley says they want the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana to make bold reforms that will stimulate economic growth and address high levels of unemployment when he tables the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in Parliament on Wednesday.

“As ActionSA, there are several things that we want the finance minister to cover in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement that he presents on Wednesday. These include bold reforms to get the economy going to address the unemployment crisis; concrete plan on how to address the illicit trade and then increase funding to SARS. But most importantly, we want the finance minister to speak on these record fuel prices that are having a devastating impact on all South Africans and the economy as a whole,” says Beesley.

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MKP MP Kwenzokuhle Madlala says they want Godongwana to be clear on how investment is going to be prioritised.

“Priority number one is how investment is going to be prioritised to create employment. How are we going to ensure that we create massive job opportunities, firstly, that are going to grow our GDP and ensure that our people have household income and they are able to have their capacity to spend?” says Madlala.

DA MP Kingsley Wakelin says they expect  Godongwana to mainly address debt stabilisation.

Wakelin says they demand better spending and greater accountability.

“We demand better spending, faster reforms and greater accountability. The DA has five areas it would like to engage on. The first one is the stabilisation of the public debt. We expect that MTBPS must deliver on debt stabilisation commitments made, as well as the sustainable primary surplus. The second matter is around the fiscal anchor. The DA wants to see the minister announce a hard numerical debt to GDP fiscal rule that is legislated to provide a credible entry for spending and borrowing decisions,” he says.

Hopes for some relief in tomorrow’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement:

Rise Mzansi says the policy statement will be evaluated on the relief it will bring to address the ongoing high costs of living.

The party says it expects a tax windfall in excess of R50 billion as a temporary measure.

“When Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tables the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, South Africans will be asking one question: is there any relief from this crushing cost of living crisis? Global volatility, from US trade policy to the energy shocks in the Middle East, is driving fuel inflation; high diesel prices continue to hit local supply chains and household budgets hard. A focus tax windfall exceeding R50 billion of a short-term breathing room,” says the party’s spokesperson Mabine Seabe.

“But it won’t solve the structural problems. The Treasury must now rethink its reliance on rigid fuel levies. Middle-class budgets are stretched. Local businesses are stalling, municipalities are buckling. Rise Mzansi, therefore, states that Treasury must offer clear, decisive paths,” he adds.

IFP Chief Whip Nhlanhla Hadebe says the party is expecting a Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement that seeks to strike a balance between economic growth, social needs and unemployment challenges.

Hadebe also says the IFP hopes for an allocation to the fight against the scourge of the gender-based violence.

“The Inkatha Freedom Party looks to the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement to strike a careful balance between fiscal responsibilities and the urgent needs of South Africans, with unemployment and the rising costs of living placing significant pressure on households. We expect a fiscal framework that supports economic growth, job creation, small businesses and greater social protection for vulnerable communities. Of particular importance to the IFP is increased expenditure towards combating gender-base violence  and femicide,” says Hadebe.

The ACDP says it expects the statement to pave the way for economic recovery.

ACDP MP Steve Swart says this year’s statement comes at a crucial time when the country is confronted by, among others, global increases in crude oil prices, high unemployment and crime.

The Presidency has confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the address tomorrow in Parliament.

The mid-term budget plays a critical role in the entire budgetary process as it sets the tone for the country’s fiscal framework for the next national budget.

This year’s address comes against the backdrop of high fuel prices with some organisations calling on Godongwana to avoid an austerity budget.