Economists expect limited relief for households in MTBPS amid rising living costs

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ExpandPicture: SUPPLIED Economists expect limited relief for households in MTBPS amid rising living costsFinance minister Enoch Godongwana will table the medium-term budget policy statement in Cape Town on Wednesday. Picture: Jairus Mmutle Finance minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to announce interventions to cushion South Africans from rising fuel prices when he delivers his medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS) in parliament today.

The booming mining sector is likely to give Godongwana room to manoeuvre and announce measures to reduce the effects of expected fuel price increases, which have put pressure on many homes around the country as the cost of living escalates.

The South African Revenue Service is expected to collect an additional R40bn from the mining sector, thanks to higher precious metal prices. The relief will be welcome as petrol and diesel prices have risen by almost 50% and 72%, respectively, since the US-led war against Iran constrained oil supply. More increases are expected next month.

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa in Daveyton during the party’s campaign for the November local government elections. Picture: Sowetan/Antonio Muchave ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa says coalition governments tie the hands of municipalities and constrain service delivery, compounding the challenges that plague local government.

Residents of Daveyton in Ekurhuleni on Tuesday expressed their disappointment with service delivery in the area, citing a lack of water and electricity, even in new RDP homes.

Ramaphosa was in the area for the party’s door-to-door campaign ahead of the November 4 local government elections.

President Cyril Ramaphosa apologised for the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis. Picture: Sowetan/Antonio Muchave President Cyril Ramaphosa has apologised for the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis that has left many children ill and hospitalised.

Between October 7 and 18, 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness were recorded after residents were exposed to unchlorinated water from the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment works.

On Monday Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya addressed the water contamination crisis in Bronkhorstspruit, publicly admitting the city did not adequately communicate with residents.

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