By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa tabled the Presidency’s Budget Vote to the National Assembly (NA) hybrid plenary sitting for debate by the Members of Parliament on Wednesday, 16 July 2025.
Budget vote debates offer Parliament and the public insight into departmental performance and spending priorities.
Ramaphosa faced intense criticism with MPs targeting his handling of corruption, lawlessness and the fragile Government of National Unity (GNU), among other issues.
His tabling of the budget comes two weeks after explosive allegations of criminal syndicates and political meddling in the police service, over which Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to probe.
There was an expectation that Ramaphosa would act swiftly on police minister Senzo Mchunu, whom he placed on special leave. The President defended the decision, saying a harsher sanction would set a dangerous precedent.
EFF MP Nonthando Nolutshungu said her party had written to Ramaphosa on Wednesday morning, accusing him of undermining good governance and of constitutional delinquency.
“You cannot place a minister on special leave while he will continue to draw a salary and ministerial benefits while he has no verifiable duties and functions, but because the President is committed to patronage, because the Presidency is an extension of managing the factional affairs of the ANC… “she said.
Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi welcomed the establishment of the commission, but echoed the frustrations of other MPs over Ramaphosa’s lack of decisiveness.
“South Africans are asking to see a sense of urgency from the executive in dealing with corruption and lawlessness.Yes, numerous cases are in the courts, but what frustrates South Africans is that it takes so very long for those responsible to be charged, let alone sent to prison. It sends a message that our systems of accountability are paralysed against those who either have power or have proximity to it, “Zibi said.
The DA’s Darren Bergman queried what Ramaphosa’s legacy would be – his first term left much to be desired, since many of the problems he inherited had worsened. He referred to anaemic economic growth, rising violent crime and the collapse of municipalities.
“Now that you have been given a second chance in the GNU, do not waste it, especially as problems remain, particularly in your office. Despite having two ministers, deputy ministers and a handful of director-generals, the Presidency still holds the paralysis of the previous term. More bureaucracy has not bolstered oversight…”
ActionSA’s Athol Trollip was also critical of Ramaphosa’s administration, which he said had failed to follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela.
“You started this term by increasing your Cabinet from 66 to 75, and then on Sunday increased it more by adding a minister at large, which costs taxpayers an additional R250-million a year.
In about a month, the country will host a National Dialogue, which comes with a price tag of R700-million, aimed at addressing a wide range of the country’s pressing issues, including unemployment, poor governance, slow land reform, poverty and hunger, gender-based violence and social fragmentation.
However, doubts remain about whether the dialogue will lead to tangible outcomes – or end up as yet another talkshop with no real change.