Party leader: Get rid of blue lights and bodyguards!

CUT politicians' perks and stop state-owned enterprises (SOEs) bailouts in mid-term budget.

This is the message to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana from Build One South Africa (Bosa).

Godongwana will deliver his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday, 30 October.

Bosa leader Mmusi Maimane said the government should do away with things like blue lights and bodyguards for ministers as Mzansi's economy isn't growing.

"We call on the government to take a decisive stance on several critical issues impacting the fiscal health of South Africa and the economic potential of all its people. First, no further bailouts should be granted to state-owned enterprises (SOEs). It's clear that perpetual financial support to underperforming SOEs poses a growing debt risk, and without structural reform, this cycle will continue to undermine South Africa's fiscal stability.

"Additionally, cutting administrative expenses within the government must be prioritised. Given the current economic strain, South Africa cannot afford unnecessary bureaucratic spending. These funds would be better directed to essential public services and infrastructure development, both of which are vital for sustainable growth and job creation," he said.

Godongwana said the unemployment crisis has deepened, with 11,57 million South Africans able and willing to work but unable to find employment, an increase of 476 000 year-on-year.

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Maimane pointed out that half of young people aged between 15 and 34 are jobless.

He said for every R100 of money spent by the government, R60 of it goes to the social wage, and R16 goes to paying off national debt.

Risa Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi said the MTBPS must indicate to South Africans the commitment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) to economic growth, jobs, and prosperity while exercising fiscal responsibility.

He said this moment requires clear-eyed choices to be made in expenditure priorities.

"With economic growth and jobs as the country's top priority, the government's budget framework must sustain, and in some instances increase spending in critical infrastructure such as transport and logistics, water, safety and security, and food production," said Zibi.

He further said the MTBPS must also indicate clearly whether and how much expenditure will be cut in non-essential areas.

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) said it anticipates that the budget will act as a strategic investment in the future of South Africa, prioritising the health, safety, and prosperity of all citizens.

ATM president Vuyo Zungula said by investing in health, safety, food security, and economic growth the country can pave the way for a brighter future for all South Africans.

"The African Transformation Movement anticipates a Midterm Budget Policy Statement that is not merely a financial plan but a transformative strategy aimed at addressing the national crises we face. We urge the government to take these expectations seriously and work collaboratively to turn them into reality for the betterment of our nation," he said.