This speech was delivered by GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament Brett Herron during today’s debate on the Western Cape Budget:
The 2025 Western Cape Budget 2.0, which had the opportunity to shift away from its original form, and actually prioritise the long-term needs of our people, but has instead continued to favour short-term optics.
Despite allocating R101 billion to education over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), our schools are struggling under the weight of increasing enrolment, overcrowded classrooms, and a shortage of teachers. The additional R549 million allocated for learner growth over the next three years is simply inadequate. True investment in the future demands proper infrastructure, well-paid teachers, and expanded educational support, all of which are insufficiently addressed in this budget.
We welcome the announcement from the National Minister that extra funding will be allocated to education and health departments and will come into effect later in the year. However, we will wait with bated breath to see how the Western Cape Government spends this extra funding. And if they will finally step up to the plate and help the most vulnerable.
Meanwhile, the province has chosen to pour nearly R4 billion into safety programs, including R1.3 billion for the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) and other policing initiatives over the MTEF. Additionally, the safety sector has received almost double its equitable share this year, jumping from R347 million to R684 million, funds that could have bolstered education.
Yet, despite these massive expenditures, crime and gang violence remain rampant. More police and reactive measures are not enough; addressing the root causes of crime, poverty, inequality, and lack of economic opportunities, is what is needed.
Despite an uptick in the discourse about moving away from private funding, especially for public infrastructure the WCG has doubled down and stuck to the increasing reliance on private funding to finance public infrastructure, with plans for a R200 billion “pipeline of bankable projects” by 2030.
Private investors expect returns, which could lead to creeping privatization, user fees for essential services, and reduced public accountability. The details of these agreements remain opaque, raising concerns about long-term financial risks. If these projects fail, taxpayers will ultimately bear the burden.
This budget 2.0 does not deviate from its original form in any meaningful way, this government heard our calls in March when we critiqued budget 1.0, but those calls fell on deaf ears. It still underfunds education, overspends on ineffective policing, and invites private interests into public infrastructure without transparency.
The people of the Western Cape deserve leadership that prioritizes their needs, not one that shifts responsibility to the private sector while neglecting systemic challenges.
We need bold leadership, not just big numbers. We need a budget that truly invests in education, community-driven safety initiatives, and a well-funded public healthcare system. Only then can we build a just and sustainable future for all.
GOOD Gender Equality: The party advocates for gender equality and women’s rights.
sunnysnap
Gatvol – fed up / had enough [ghut-foll] Meaning ‘filled to the brim’ and is used to describe someone who is very angry or tired of the same thing happening over and over again.Example: “I’m gatvol with that nonsense.” / “I’m gatvol that they keep losing all the time.”
Midas
Fun South African Fact: South Africa has continuously paid tribute to Dr Christiaan Barnard’s groundbreaking medical achievements.