Note to Editors: Please note Tim Brauteseth, MPL sound bite in English
Today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) addresses the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Legislature on the purpose and importance of the Division of Revenue Bill (DORB) – and reflects on the consequences of opposing such a critical piece of legislation, particularly for the people of our province.
The Bill is a cornerstone of our constitutional democracy. It gives effect to Section 214 of the Constitution by ensuring the equitable division of nationally raised revenue among national, provincial and local spheres of government.
The Bill is not merely a budgeting exercise. It is a commitment to fairness, accountability and service delivery by KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), of which the DA is a solid partner.
The Bill determines how much funding provinces receive, outlines allocations to municipalities and sets the responsibilities attached to those funds. Through this process, it ensures that schools are funded, hospitals are staffed and communities receive basic services such as water, sanitation and electricity.
The Bill’s importance becomes even clearer when we consider its redistributive nature. It directs more resources to poorer provinces and municipalities, helping to reduce inequality and uplift disadvantaged communities. In provinces such as KZN, with high levels of poverty and rural populations, these allocations are not optional – they are essential for survival and development.
Opposition to the Bill may be framed as political disagreement, fiscal caution or simply financial ignorance.
To oppose this Bill is to delay or undermine the flow of resources that sustain critical public services. It risks creating uncertainty in provincial and municipal budgets, disrupting planning, and weakening service delivery. Most importantly, it is KZN’s poorest and most vulnerable residents who will suffer most.
Without these allocations, municipalities would struggle to provide basic services. Clinics may face shortages, schools may lack resources and infrastructure projects may stall. As noted during public engagements, the Bill is crucial for enabling municipalities to deliver services effectively to communities.
Opposing the Bill is not a neutral act. It has direct and tangible consequences for the lives of our people, particularly those who rely on government support for their daily needs.
This Bill represents more than financial allocations – it represents the KZN GPU’s collective commitment to equity, development and dignity on behalf of the people of our province.