By Thokozile Madonko
Thokozile is a researcher at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies at Wits University, managing the Public Economy Project.
Using her master’s in political theory, she has worked in climate justice, development cooperation, and public finance, focusing on health financing, gender-responsive budgeting, national, subnational and parliamentary governance, and transparency and accountability.
Thokozile says: “The National Treasury has a critical opportunity with Budget 3.0 to deliver a gender-responsive budget that lives up to the Constitution’s promise to ‘improve the quality of life of all’ in South Africa.
“This means focusing on the foundations of a healthy economy – care work, education, basic services and social protection – and allocating public funds based on people’s needs.
“Chasing a primary budget surplus that may never materialise should not come at the cost of women who become ‘shock absorbers’ and must provide care, often unpaid.
“South Africa can invest in public services and maintain fiscal sustainability at the same time. A more equitable and just society is not just possible – it’s a necessary investment in our shared future.”
