South Africa’s finance minister has increased welfare payments for over 18 million people in the latest budget ahead of the upcoming general election in May.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC) is facing strong competition from the left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which has promised to double payments to the less fortunate.
However, economic challenges have limited the government’s flexibility. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana raised monthly payments for various groups, including the elderly and those with disabilities, but the opposition criticized the budget for not doing enough for vulnerable South Africans.
Despite pressure to address the country’s growing budget deficit, Godongwana emphasized that the budget was aimed at improving the country’s balance sheet and was not influenced by the upcoming elections.
Source : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68358900