Maimane: Revenue Bill public participation crucial
In line with its constitutional mandate, Parliament has completed a robust public participation process on the Division of Revenue Bill, which has now been adopted by the National Assembly.
The extensive consultations underscore Bill’s impact on public services and development priorities
The Bill, which determines how nationally raised revenue will be distributed for the 2025/26 financial year, underwent public scrutiny after being tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana as part of the national budget.
The Standing Committee on Appropriations hosted public hearings and invited written submissions from civil society, academic institutions, and ordinary South Africans. Contributors focused on the Bill’s implications for essential services and the need for greater transparency in how funds are managed locally.
Chairperson Mmusi Maimane emphasised that input from the public, the Financial and Fiscal Commission, and intergovernmental forums was factored into the final report.
“Provinces and municipalities face rising costs and subdued economic growth, which impact their ability to deliver basic services effectively," Maimane warned of mounting fiscal pressures.
The Bill plays a vital role in determining service delivery outcomes, from schools and clinics to roads and sanitation projects, especially in underserved communities. It is also a tool for promoting accountability and addressing inequality in South Africa’s budgeting process.
Having been passed by the National Assembly, the Bill will now be considered by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) as part of its final legislative journey.
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