DA leader, Andrew Louw, says the budget speech tabled on Tuesday, failed to outline how the province plans to deal with the increasing unemployment rates, nor address questions relating to a lack of consequence management and poor service delivery experienced in the province. 

Following recent violent service delivery protests that broke out in the towns of Olifantshoek and Kathu over a lack of water supply, Louw says Jack failed to answer questions on how municipalities are going to be helped from their financial rut, and how the different departments are going to improve services. This, despite an announcement that the Provincial Treasury has allocated R44.8 million over the next three years for infrastructure development and R29.9 million to strengthen support at municipalities and help with their financial recovery plans.

Cope has also expressed dissatisfaction with Jack’s speech, stating that it lack concrete plans. Concern over the state of education and health in the province have also been raised by the opposition. They have raised questions over shortage of medical personnel, resources and delegated infrastructure at many public health facilities and schools.

Louw further raised questions over the controversial Kimberley Mental Hospital that has remained a white elephant after being under construction for more than a decade with millions unaccounted for.

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