11 March 2025
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) approaches the 2025 National Budget Speech with unwavering resolve, demanding bold, worker-centred interventions to counteract economic stagnation, social distress, and corporate greed. With rising living costs, collapsing public services, and job insecurity threatening millions, FEDUSA insists that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana deliver a budget that puts workers and the poor first. Anything less would be a betrayal of the country’s working-class majority.
REJECTING AUSTERITY: END THE WAR ON WORKERS AND PUBLIC SERVICES!
Austerity has failed. It has destroyed jobs, starved public services, and widened inequality. FEDUSA rejects any budget that imposes further cuts on essential services while failing to invest in long-term economic recovery. The government must:
• Increase public investment in infrastructure, health, and education to drive sustainable job creation.
• Expand industrial support to protect manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy sectors.
• End reckless budget slashing that cripples institutions like the CCMA and labour courts, which are critical in protecting workers.
HANDS OFF THE POOR: NO TO A VAT INCREASE! NO TO CUTTING THE SRD GRANT!
FEDUSA will not stand by while government and big business balance the books on the backs of the poor. Any increase in VAT would deepen economic suffering, and any reduction in the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant would push millions further into poverty. FEDUSA demands:
• The expansion of the SRD grant as a step towards a permanent Basic Income Grant.
• Higher taxation on the wealthy and large corporations to fund social support rather than making the poor pay more.
• Pro-poor fiscal measures that reduce the tax burden on struggling households while ensuring economic justice.
WORKERS’ PENSIONS ARE NOT A BAILOUT FUND: REJECTING THE GEPF PAYMENT BREAK!
FEDUSA rejects any attempt to implement a payment break on employer contributions to the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). This reckless proposal would weaken the long-term financial security of public servants and pensioners. Workers are not an ATM for government inefficiencies! FEDUSA demands:
• Full employer contributions to the GEPF with no exceptions!
• Transparency and accountability in pension fund management.
• No budget gimmicks that sacrifice workers’ futures for short-term political gains.
TAX JUSTICE: STOP PROTECTING THE ULTRA-RICH, CAPACITATE SARS TO COLLECT WHAT IS OWED!
FEDUSA condemns government’s failure to implement a fair tax system that ensures the wealthiest pay their fair share. Instead of punishing workers and the poor, the government must:
• Strengthen SARS’ capacity to aggressively target tax evasion by the ultra-rich and big business.
• End illicit financial flows that rob South Africa of billions in lost revenue each year.
• Expand progressive tax policies that reduce the burden on low- and middle-income earners while holding corporate giants accountable.
REVIVING STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES: NO PRIVATISATION, NO JOB LOSSES!
The collapse of SOEs like Transnet and Eskom is a direct consequence of mismanagement, corruption, and underfunding. FEDUSA rejects privatisation and demands:
• A transparent and worker-centric recovery plan for all SOEs.
• Increased accountability to root out corruption and inefficiency.
• A moratorium on retrenchments, with investment in worker skills development.
ENERGY CRISIS: ESKOM MUST WORK FOR THE PEOPLE, NOT PROFITEERS!
The ongoing energy crisis continues to cripple businesses and households. FEDUSA calls for:
• A full review of Eskom’s pricing model to ensure affordability.
• Continued investment in renewable and alternative energy sources.
• Strict regulations to prevent fuel price manipulation as Eskom.
COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS: WORKERS CANNOT AFFORD TO LIVE!
With inflation soaring and wages stagnating, FEDUSA demands urgent interventions:
• Strict price controls on essential goods, fuel, and food.
• Public transport subsidies to reduce commuting costs, especially in the context of South Africa’s special injustice.
• A review of wage policies to ensure salaries keep pace with inflation.
PEPFAR FUNDING WITHDRAWAL: A PUBLIC HEALTH DISASTER!
The withdrawal of U.S. funding for HIV/AIDS programmes will have catastrophic effects. FEDUSA insists that the government:
• Finds alternative funding sources to sustain critical healthcare services.
• Strengthens partnerships with private and global health organisations.
• Develops a self-sustaining, long-term funding model for public health.
A PEOPLE’S BUDGET, NOT A BILLIONAIRES’ BUDGET!
South Africa needs a budget that puts people before profits, strengthens public services, creates jobs, and ensures economic justice. FEDUSA will not allow another year of failed policies, corporate appeasement, and worker exploitation. We demand action, and we demand it now!
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