This is how the National Budget postponement will impact the WC Budget

The postponement of the 2025 National Budget tabling to 12 March 2025 will have implications for the tabling of all provincial government budgets. 

While this postponement is unprecedented in South Africa’s democratic history, it is a signal of our maturing democracy. Healthy, robust debate is a fundamental characteristic before the tabling of a budget or even during the parliamentary process. The Western Cape Government, therefore, supports and respects the ongoing engagements at the national level.

Western Cape Minister of Finance, Deidré Baartman, said, “The Western Cape has already undertaken extensive work in preparing our budget - guided by ongoing engagement with the National Treasury as part of the intergovernmental budgetary process. However, in light of the announcement of the national postponement, the Western Cape’s budget, originally planned for 6 March 2025, will also be delayed.” 

“The date of the tabling of the Provincial Budget will be determined by the timeframes set out by National Treasury and the National Government. However, as is customary, the Western Cape will ensure that its budget is tabled within two weeks of the national budget,” Minister Baartman explained. 

The Western Cape faces significant budgetary pressures especially as it relates to the core services of health, education and social development. However, our position remains clear that addressing these challenges should be achieved through fast-tracking economic growth reforms, cutting wasteful expenditure, and reprioritising spending - not through a VAT increase.