Parliament, Tuesday, 17 March 2026 – The Standing Committee on Appropriations wrapped up its public hearings on the 2026 Division of Revenue Bill, and the 2025/26 Special Appropriations Bill in Ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal where it expressed satisfaction with the quality of input from the residents.
The chairperson of the committee, Dr Mmusi Maimane, said public hearings are not merely a procedural formality, but are the heart of South Africa's commitment to participatory democracy. "Public hearings are not a tick-box exercise," he stressed.
"We understand that budget language can be technical, but through public participation, we simplify it. Every person who shows up here becomes a public representative. Whether your input is about complex financial clauses or simply that the roof is leaking at a local school, you must be heard. Your views on roads, housing, and education are the budget matters."
The majority of Ethekwini residents said the budget must be people centred. Participants argued that while money is raised nationally, it often fails to trickle down to those who need it most, especially those migrating from rural areas to the cities like Durban in search of work. They voiced frustration that municipalities are failing to use their appropriated funds effectively to provide basic services.
Participants also called for safe and reliable scholar transport, and they pointed out that despite budget allocations, funding is woefully inadequate, leaving countless children to walk long and dangerous distances to school every day.
The committee will now consolidate the submissions from the public hearing into a comprehensive report. Dr Maimane praised the public for their engagements on the national budget, reinforcing that their contributions are not just welcome, but were essential.
He encouraged participants living with disabilities to ensure they make their inputs during parliamentary public hearings in order to improve budgeting that focus on their needs.
"The quality of this Bill is significantly better because of the contributions we received here today. This is exactly what the drafters of our Constitution intended, to make public participation a fundamental principle, ensuring the law is shaped by the people it serves." Said Dr Maimane.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, DR MMUSI MAIMANE.
For media enquiries or interviews with the committee Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Jabulani Majozi (Mr)
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E-mail: jamajozi@parliament.gov.za
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