Ahead of the 2025 Budget Speech, the People Against Budget Cuts (PABC), a coalition fighting against government austerity measures that threaten essential public services, held a press conference at St George’s Cathedral. The event united community leaders, union representatives, and individuals affected by the prospect of deepening spending reductions in healthcare, education, social services, and infrastructure.
PABC representative Barry Mitchell said, “Austerity is a political choice and we have chosen resistance.” Speakers shared personal accounts and data illustrating the detrimental effects of past and possible future cuts.
Nthabiseng Mabaso from the Back2Work Campaign highlighted how austerity exacerbates job losses, particularly in the public sector, weakening worker rights. Siziphiwe Dunjana from the Cry of the Xcluded emphasised the impact on essential public services for the poor, citing difficulties in accessing healthcare.
Speakers argued that budget cuts deepen inequality, harm working families, and fail to address economic instability. Malvern De Bryn from COSATU advocated for an expanded public sector and quality service delivery through a “progressive budget” that stimulates economic growth and reduces unemployment.
SAFTU’s Zwelinzima Vavi called for increased corporate taxes (at least 45%), a wealth tax on individuals with over R10 million in net assets, and a solidarity tax on high-income earners.
Other speakers included Anthony “Toen” Dietrich from the SACP and anti-apartheid activist Dr Allan Boesak.
The PABC encourages South Africans to join their movement by attending events, contacting them, and raising awareness on social media using #EndBudgetCuts. Their message at the press conference was clear: austerity is not unavoidable, and they will resist it.
Read the full statement here and watch the press briefing here for more information.
