The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has strongly criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent budget presentation, accusing it of failing to address the needs of South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens.
During a media briefing in Cape Town yesterday, MK Party Chief Whip Colleen Makhubele said the budget lacked urgent measures to tackle unemployment, corruption, and basic service delivery.
Budget Fails to Deliver for the Poor
Makhubele argued that the budget ignored critical issues such as job creation, support for informal and rural workers, and assistance for traditional leaders and their communities.
“This budget does not address the urgent actions that need to be taken—like creating jobs, providing basic services, and addressing the corruption that robs our people of quality, safe, and clean cities,” she said.
She also highlighted the absence of provisions for school uniforms, meals, and transport for poor rural children, as well as insufficient social grants and tax relief for struggling citizens.
Concerns Over Water Safety and Government Inaction
Makhubele raised alarm over recent reports that traces of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs were found in drinking water, questioning how such a lapse could occur under the Government of National Unity (GNU).
“How did this happen under the GNU’s watch? The administration has become complacent, fat, and untouchable,” she said, accusing the government of systemic mismanagement.
Criticism of Ramaphosa’s Leadership
The MK Party also condemned President Ramaphosa’s decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave instead of firing him outright, calling it a “cowardly move.”
Makhubele contrasted this with the swift action taken against the Minister of Higher Education, suggesting gender bias in the administration’s decisions.
“Look at how they have dealt with the issue of Senzo Mchunu and how quickly they responded to the black, educated woman minister of higher education. She was just an easy soft target, a sacrificial lamb at the GNU altar,” she said.
“All things being equal and fair, Minister Senzo should have been fired in the same breath. This is clear cowardice at a decisive moment by the president.”
Calls for Immediate Action
The MK Party demanded urgent reforms, including stronger anti-corruption measures, job creation initiatives, and better support for marginalized communities.
As public dissatisfaction grows over economic hardship and governance failures, the MK Party’s criticism adds to mounting pressure on the GNU to deliver tangible solutions for South Africa’s most pressing challenges.