EASTERN CAPE - OPPOSITION PARTIES EXPECTING A BUDGET THAT WILL STIMULATE THE ECONOMY & PROMOTE JOB CREATION

Opposition parties in the Eastern Cape say they expect Finance MEC Sakhumzi Somyo to table a budget that will boost the economy and create jobs in the province.

Somyo will table his Budgets Speech in the Bhisho Legislature on Thursday.  

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it expects a cut in wasteful expenditure. The DA's Bhisho Member of the Provincial Legislature Bobby Stevenson says money spent on trips has to be reduced.

“The province last year spent R760 million on travels and accommodation. That money needs to be drastically reduced and could be directed to service delivery.”

United Democratic Movement Spokesperson Mabandla Gogo says the budget should focus on people living in rural areas.

“We are expecting a budget that will uplift the lives of the people, those who are staying in rural areas. The Eastern Cape has high rate of unemployment.”

Director of the Border Kei Business Chamber, Less Holbrook, says they are expecting more financial support for small businesses in the province
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)  Provincial Co-ordinator Yazini Thetyana wants more money to be invested in education.

“They must put more money on education because we have seen what is happening in our education department and all these other health issues that we have."

Director of the Border Kei Business Chamber, Less Holbrook, says they are expecting more financial support for small businesses in the province.

“One of the announcements that government has made is the deferential opportunities for businesses via the supply chain management of government. So, we would like to know more details about that how is that 30% is going to come the way of enterprises in the Eastern Cape.”

VIA - sabc