South Africa’s (SA) activist group, People Against Budget Cuts, has called for a fully funded public service to address growing vacancies across SA’s public sector.

The organisation is among several groups marching against austerity measures and reductions in social spending, urging Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to prioritise the needs of the poor in his national budget allocation.

Speaking during the protest, Spokesperson Barry James Mitchell said communities were concerned about declining investment in social protection and public services.

“The budget is an annual occurrence and what we’re seeing is that allocations for social protection and social services are decreasing,” he said. “Each year we must ensure our voices are heard. Godongwana must understand that our finances cannot be controlled by the Washington Consensus, but must be based on a people’s budget, one that reflects the interests of the masses and the conditions of the country.”

Protesters argue that sustained cuts to public spending are deepening inequality and weakening essential services, calling instead for increased funding to support vulnerable communities.

–ChannelAfrica–