President Cyril Ramaphosa has presented the Presidency’s Budget Vote to the National Assembly, outlining a allocation of just under 817 million rand centered on advancing economic growth, alleviating poverty, and strengthening state capacity.
During his address, President Ramaphosa addressed the complex issue of migration, affirming that it must be managed in accordance with South African law. He acknowledged that undocumented foreign nationals can strain public services and hinder national efforts to generate decent employment opportunities.
“We need to deal with illegal migration,” President Ramaphosa stated. “We have seen how illegal immigration into our country can put pressure on our public services and undermine our efforts to create decent work for all.”
He confirmed that government is implementing decisive measures, including stricter enforcement of immigration regulations, expanded workplace inspections, and legal action against employers who breach labor legislation. Simultaneously, he firmly rejected acts of violence, xenophobia, vigilantism, and ethnic mobilization directed at foreign nationals.
“We must never give in to violence, to xenophobia, and to vigilantism,” he emphasized. “As a society, we must stand against all forms of disinformation, of incitement, of false information being spread around, of racism and ethnic mobilization.”
President Ramaphosa did not comment on the planned national shutdown scheduled for June 30 by the March and March Movement, which is calling for undocumented foreign nationals to depart South Africa.
On matters of law enforcement and accountability, the President highlighted the ongoing work of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He noted that the commission’s final report is anticipated to support efforts against organized crime and reinforce the South African Police Service. Following the commission’s first interim report in December, a joint task team comprising the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority was established to act on its referrals. This team has since commenced operations and has already initiated court proceedings following several arrests.
Reaffirming government’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption, President Ramaphosa declared: “Public office is a public trust. Those who abuse public resources for private gain betray our constitution. They undermine development and steal from the poor in our country.” He stressed that accountability would apply universally, “regardless of position, status or political affiliation.”
Turning to economic indicators, President Ramaphosa pointed to positive developments. He noted an improved macroeconomic environment, sustained tax revenue collection, healthier public finances, and stabilization of national debt. He welcomed Moody’s recent decision to revise South Africa’s rating outlook from stable to positive, which follows Standard & Poor’s upgrade of the country’s credit rating six months prior—the first such improvement in twenty years.
Political parties expressed varied responses during the budget debate. President Ramaphosa is scheduled to deliver his reply to the debate on Wednesday afternoon.