The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, will deliver his maiden national budget speech in parliament this afternoon.

The speech can be watched here:

The Citizen reports the budget speech is the most significant event after the Sona, and Godongwana faces a difficult task in balancing the books amid South Africa’s sluggish economic growth and increasing unemployment rate.

According to The Citizen, the finance minister will expectedly provide details on government’s spending priorities for the year ahead, how to address its large budget deficit, and new sources of tax revenues, among others.

Various groups were seen marching outside parliament today, including the EFF, Equal Education and Outa.

Outa said they want a realistic, implementable budget addressing the serious needs of ordinary citizens.

“If we want to turn SA around, we need effective governance, accountability, transparency and a less bloated, ineffective government.”

Some #OUTA staff in Cape Town ahead of #Budget2022. Today we want a realistic, implementable budget addressing the serious needs of ordinary citizens. If we want to turn SA around, we need effective governance, accountability, transparency + less bloated, ineffective government. pic.twitter.com/4U3yTyqPJs

— OUTA (@OUTASA) February 23, 2022

Equal Education asked that Godongwana must ensure that enough money is given to the education sector.

“Too many learners are returning to schools that still do not have enough water, safe and dignified toilets, electricity, classrooms, or teachers.”

[Statement] Equal Education calls on National Treasury to stop cuts to the basic education budget, so that all learners can return to school safely!

Read our full statement👇🏿: https://t.co/EFv0LekHXs…#Budget2022 pic.twitter.com/cqdWY5DI7k

— Equal Education (@equal_education) February 23, 2022