DA warns KZN budget cuts will ‘severely’ impact service delivery
The Democratic Alliance in KZN has warned that budget cuts to the provincial government will severely impact service delivery in crucial departments like Health, Education, and Social Development.
Finance MEC Francois Rodgers told the legislature last week that the province will have to cut its budget by R12 billion over the next three years.
READ: Simelane warns of impact of budget cuts on KZN health services
DA's KZN spokesperson on Finance, Tim Brauteseth, says the provincial budget isn't enough to sustain it until the next financial year, adding that there's already an R8 billion shortfall.
Brauteseth believes that KZN's administration would be justified in protesting against the treatment it's been receiving from the National Treasury.
"We understand those cuts in budgets that it is an unavoidable consequence; however, at the national level, there was a national wage agreement for the civil service that exceeded those advisories on the allowance for salary increases, and then the province is told that you will have to cover the shortfall yourself.
ALSO READ: Jobless KZN teachers bemoan provincial education budget
"It is not looking like it is going to get any better, but right now, it is a super tough position, and that is going to impact service delivery."
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