Third Budget Must Prioritise Rural Development and Economic Inclusion says Bakgatla leader Kgosi Nyalala Pilane

Ahead of the third budget to be presented by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on Thursday, Kgosi Nyalala Pilane, leader of the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela tribe, has called for a national budget that also directly addresses the structural neglect of rural communities and formally incorporates traditional leadership into South Africa’s long-term development planning.

Kgosi Pilane said it was vital that the national budget goes beyond macroeconomic targets to focus on foundational infrastructure that enables local economies to grow. “Government must understand that infrastructure is the cornerstone of economic development. No investor will consider establishing operations in a community without roads, electricity or water. The continued failure to address these basic needs perpetuates poverty and undermines national growth.”

Kgosi Pilane said cutting waste and curbing corruption should take precedence over introducing additional taxes that further burden citizens. “It is not always a question of insufficient funds, but rather how those funds are managed. Fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability must become non-negotiable in every department.”

He also raised concern over the size of government and inefficiencies in public spending. “We cannot continue to justify the cost of an inflated executive. Almost every minister is supported by one or two deputy ministers, yet rural areas remain without roads, schools or clinics. The financial resources consumed by these positions could be far better spent on direct service delivery where it is most needed.”

With the country facing a significant budget deficit, Kgosi Pilane urged the Minister to prioritise spending that delivers real impact and avoid shortcuts that harm low-income households. “A VAT increase or fuel levy adjustment may appear expedient, but the cost will be borne most heavily by the poor. That is not the kind of recovery South Africa needs.”

“The path forward requires input from all sectors of society. It is time for government to listen and act accordingly,” he said and added that a year later, the Government of National Unity has yet to deliver positive impact where it matters most; alleviation of poverty. “Unemployment remains high, infrastructure is still lacking, and service delivery continues to bypass the very people most in need. From where we stand, no difference has been felt.”

He also called for the formal recognition of traditional leadership as a key partner in development. “We represent millions of South Africans living in rural areas. Our institutions are well-placed to support government efforts, but we must be included. This budget must reflect not only financial strategy, but a moral commitment to equity, inclusion and lasting development.”