Some opposition parties in Gauteng Legislature remain critical of Maile's revised budget
Maile retabled the budget on Wednesday to accommodate key changes in the province's projected revenue.
An additional R886 million has been added, bringing the total projected revenue to R172 billion for the current financial year.
ALSO READ:
• Gauteng govt discloses that only 4 of 11 municipalities tabled funded budgets
• Gauteng govt increases total projected revenue to R172bn in revised budget
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) provincial chairperson Nkululeko Dunga said Maile's budget doesn't reflect the true state of the province.
"I think the priorities on the budget are skewed on the basis that you have R1.2 billion that is allocated for the provincial legislature and political parties while you still have about R240 million allocated towards housing. A sound decision would have been to allocate R1.2 billion to the housing and the R200 million to the political parties."
The Democratic Alliance (DA)'s Ruhan Robinson said that budget allocation could have been better.
"All in all, many of our concerns stay exactly the same as with the previous budget. It's the enormous allocation of almost R5 billion to pay for the e-toll debt, which we still believe is not for the province to pay. We shouldn't be paying that money."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Prince Mashele endorses Helen Zille for mayor of Johannesburg
Political analyst and author Prince Mashele has publicly declared his support for Helen Zille, should the former Western Cape Premier decide to run as mayor of Johannesburg in the 2026 local government elections. This comes after reports last month that Zille, who currently serves as the Democratic Alliance's (DA) federal council chairperson, was considering running for the mayoral post, following multiple requests to enter the race. In an interview with Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh on the SMWX podcast, Mashele surprised many by stating that he would endorse Zille – despite not being a DA supporter – because of Johannesburg's current state under ANC leadership. 'If Helen Zille wins the contest to become the mayoral candidate of Johannesburg, I am going to do something I have never done in my life. I am going to publicly endorse her,' said Mashele. 'With a heavy heart. The way the ANC has destroyed Johannesburg… Johannesburg used to be the pride of Africa.' Mashele was critical of former ANC mayor Parks Tau, now Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, saying Tau contributed to the city's urban decay. 'Helen Zille has a proven track record. She ran Cape Town as mayor, she did not destroy it. She ran the Western Cape as premier, she did not destroy it,' he said, pointing to Cape Town's thriving tourism and well-maintained infrastructure. Mashele's scathing remarks extended to current Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, describing his tenure as marked by basic service delivery failures, including water outages in Sandton, a crumbling inner city, and growing urban neglect. 'How can you go without water in Sandton? The richest square mile in Africa without water. It can only happen under an incompetent called Dada Morero,' he said. Despite mounting criticism, Morero has defended his administration, citing ongoing interventions since 2016 and the recent establishment of crisis response teams. 'We have now been given an opportunity to address those challenges, and we need time to do so,' Morero said in March at the opening of the Naledi Clinic in Presidency has also stepped in, with President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing the deployment of the Presidential Johannesburg Working Group (PJWG) to help the metro recover from what many are calling a crisis of governance. While Zille has not confirmed her candidacy, she said in June that she was consulting with her family after being approached to run. 'I have been approached to put my hat in the ring for mayor. I am still considering it,' she said. Her potential return to executive office has ignited debate across political circles, especially in light of Johannesburg's severe decline under ANC leadership and the DA's ongoing internal contestation for 2026 candidates. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa's words flatter, his actions offend
President's refusal to heed US rejection of Jonas has left SA exposed as 30% trade tariffs come into force in August. The controversy surrounding America's refusal of Mcebisi Jonas's application for a diplomatic visa is both surprising and troubling. Three months after his appointment, the public still does not know what he has done – if anything – in executing his mandate. When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Jonas's appointment as his special envoy on 14 April 2025, he made his responsibilities clear in a press release: 'I hereby announce the appointment of Mr Mcebisi Jonas as my Special Envoy to the United States of America, serving as the official representative of the President and the government of the Republic of South Africa.' 'In this capacity, Mr Jonas is entrusted with the responsibility to advance South Africa's diplomatic, trade and bilateral priorities. He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation's interests,' the president said. ALSO READ: 'Right-wing nexus': Presidency cautions South Africans against the DA [VIDEO] The mandate could not be more explicit. The role entails direct, high-level engagement with the Trump administration, particularly as SA faces steep US trade tariffs that take effect from 1 August. Read more Police scandal: Justice must now be served However, the Democratic Alliance revealed on Monday that Jonas' application for a diplomatic visa was denied, his credentials were formally rejected and that the South African government was 'explicitly' advised on multiple occasions that Jonas 'was not acceptable to Washington' and was urged to appoint an alternative envoy. The Presidency hit back yesterday in a strongly worded statement by spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. He came out swinging against the DA, labelling the revelation as an effort to 'embarrass the President' and that the 'DA has positioned itself as part of a right-wing nexus that seeks to use a foreign state to effect changes to democratically developed national policies in our own country'. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa 'satisfied' with Mcebisi Jonas's work despite being snubbed by Trump But he didn't dispute the facts the DA put on the table. Instead, Magwenya suggested that Jonas didn't need one to fulfil his responsibilities and downplayed his role. 'The facts around this matter include the reality that Special Envoys do not present diplomatic credentials to host countries in the way designated Heads of Mission or other diplomats are.' Magwenya continued: 'Mr Jonas has, however, played an important role in working with the DTIC [Department of Trade, Industry and Competition] to develop the trade proposals in which South Africa is currently engaging the United States in good faith and with the expectation of mutually beneficial terms. 'Similarly, he has been assisting Dirco [Department of International Relations and Cooperation] in Government's efforts to reset diplomatic relations and all areas of cooperation between South Africa and the United States.' 'While these processes are underway and in view of President Ramaphosa's telephonic contact with President Trump as well as his Working Visit to Washington in May 2025, President Ramaphosa has not had a need for Mr Jonas to visit the United States on urgent business.' This is a notable shift. The original mandate stated that Jonas would lead negotiations. Now, he is merely assisting departments that lead. ALSO READ: Presidency clarifies Mcebisi Jonas' absence from Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump These developments also followed Magwenya's statement to Dawie Boonzaair, a reporter at Rapport/City Press over the weekend, that the President was 'satisfied' with Jona's work. However, he declined to comment on what Jonas has achieved. This lack of clarity undermines the seriousness of the appointment, casting doubt on the Presidency's efforts to resolve the diplomatic fallout between the country, which has resulted in the implementation of 30% tariffs. Seen in the context that Jonas was appointed after Washington removed Ebrahim Rasool as ambassador (which was not replaced), it suggests his appointment was to lobby the Trump administration to repair the relationship. However, Ramaphosa did not fire and replace Jonas, despite being aware that Jonas was persona non grata in Washington. He even visited the White House after being informed of this. ALSO READ: Is Mcebisi Jonas the right man as SA's US rep? We have seen Ramaphosa's 'do-nothing' approach throughout his time in the Union Buildings. If Jonas had even been somewhat successful, resulting in a reduced tariff of 30%, his appointment would have been considered a success. I am not sure if this is a scandal, but it is indicative of the President's unwillingness to take South Africa into his confidence and be transparent. Numerous qualified individuals in the country can represent South Africa with authority and credibility in Washington and be taken seriously. President Ramaphosa's handling of the Jonas matter reflects a troubling pattern that he is not putting South Africa first and failing to take South Africans into his confidence. Unfortunately, the public has become accustomed to this evasiveness. However, the current fallout with the United States – our second-largest trading partner – marks a serious escalation with real economic consequences. This includes export industries, investor relations, and trade diplomacy. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa appoints Mcebisi Jonas as special envoy to US What makes this even more concerning is the apparent hypocrisy. Just two years ago, South Africa aggressively pushed for the expulsion of US Ambassador Reuben Brigety after he alleged that arms had been loaded onto the Russian ship Lady R, endangering South Africa's relationship with Washington. At the time, the government accused Brigety of misconduct and demanded accountability. Brigety resigned a year later. Yet now, the Presidency appears comfortable sending a representative to the US who the Trump administration sees as diplomatically unacceptable. This is not surprising as Jonas publicly stated in 2020 that Trump is a 'racist, homophobic, narcissistic right-winger'. It may be true, but you don't send someone to stand with a cap in his hand to negotiate with someone you have insulted to this extent. The President has proclaimed in the Oval Office that 'America is a valued partner' and invited Trump to attend the G20 in South Africa, but sending a politically compromised envoy to repair one of South Africa's most important bilateral relationships is not only unwise – it is deeply disrespectful. And not replacing him after being informed of his undesirability is an even bigger slap in the face. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
EFF challenges Ramaphosa's decision on Police Minister's 'special leave'
Opposition parties say President Cyril Ramaphosa could have used the existing crime-fighting state institutions to investigate Senzo Mchunu instead of appointing a commission. Image: IOL Graphics The EFF contends that President Cyril Ramaphosa does not have the constitutional power to put a cabinet minister on a leave of absence, instead suggesting he should relieve Mchunu of his duties. This is according to a legal letter served on Ramaphosa challenging his decision to place embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave. The decision comes after allegations of corruption were made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The EFF isn't the only party questioning President Ramaphosa's decision. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has also indicated that it's drafting papers for a Constitutional Court challenge, and the DA said police were now investigating the criminal charges it lodged against Mchunu Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The DA also confirmed that a senior Lieutenant Colonel has been assigned as the investigating officer in the criminal matter against Mchunu. Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of interfering with sensitive police investigations and colluding with businesspeople to disband the Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal. In response, Ramaphosa established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate these allegations, which is expected to take between six to twelve months. Mchunu has been placed on a leave of absence with Professor Firoz Cachalia appointed as acting Minister of Police effective August 1. In the letter sent by England Slabbert Attorneys on behalf of the EFF, the party highlights several points that include the lack of constitutional power. President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu. Image: GCIS 'The President does not have the power under Section 91(2) of the Constitution to place a Minister on leave." 'A Minister without powers or functions is unlawful as the Constitution requires Ministers to be assigned powers and functions. 'Placing Mchunu on special leave while he continues to draw a ministerial salary, alongside appointing an acting Minister, is seen as an abuse of state resources,' the letter read. "The decision is not only illegal, it is also a flagrant abuse of state resources. It allows Senzo Mchunu to continue drawing a full ministerial salary under the guise of 'special leave'...' the letter continued. The Red Berets demanded that Ramaphosa provide certain information by Monday regarding Mchunu's powers and functions during his leave, the pecuniary benefits Mchunu will receive, and the rationale behind the decision to place Mchunu on leave, or face further legal action. 'We demand, on our client's behalf, that the President provide our offices with the following information: confirmation of what powers and functions The Hon. Mchunu, MP, will perform as a Member of the Cabinet whilst on leave of absence, and specifically whether these will be the same as or similar to any other Cabinet Member, an explanation whether The Hon. Mchunu, MP's pecuniary and financial benefits will be withdrawn entirely while he is on leave, and if not, why not and confirmation of the specific powers and procedure the President followed in appointing Professor Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police,' the letter read. The letter further asked for reasons why the President placed Mchunu on leave and the reasons why the President, in light of Mkhwanazi's allegations, decided not to dismiss Mchunu. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya did not respond to questions about whether the president was preparing to challenge the EFF's court action. Cape Times
