Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
A STRONG public response to consultations on the 2027 National Budget has signalled growing citizen participation in shaping national spending priorities, with some centres recording more than 250 participants, a massive increase from previous years’ figures.
Parliament says the strong turnout shows growing public engagement in the national budgeting process, with citizens using the consultations to push for greater funding for agriculture, compensation for liberation war veterans, women and youth empowerment, as well as ICT (information and communication technology) facilities in schools. The consultations were coordinated by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion.
They were meant to gather submissions on the economic and social priorities that people want reflected in next year’s fiscal plan.
Committee chairperson Mr Lincoln Dhliwayo said the turnout had improved significantly
compared to previous years, demonstrating the importance citizens now attach to the budgeting process.
Speaking at the conclusion of the consultations on Friday, Cde Dhliwayo commended the public for exercising their constitutional right to participate in shaping national policy.
“The consultation meetings registered a tremendous improvement compared to the previous year’ budget consultations,” he said.
“The turnout improved significantly, with some centres registering more than 250 participants.
These consultations are critical in shaping the 2027 National Budget, which consists of the Appropriation Act and the Finance Act.
“The Budget belongs to the people; it should, therefore, reflect their aspirations, and this cannot be achieved without soliciting their views.”
The submissions covered a broad range of issues, including agricultural productivity, compensation for veterans of the liberation struggle, women and youth empowerment, and the integration of ICTs into schools.
Cde Dhliwayo said the committee would consolidate the contributions into a report to be presented to Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube at the Pre-Budget Retreat in Bulawayo, scheduled for October 28 to 31.
The report will feed into the Government’s preparations for the 2027 National Budget, which Prof Ncube is expected to present on November 19.
Cde Dhliwayo said citizens who had not participated in the public hearings could still submit their proposals in writing through the Clerk of Parliament.
Public consultations are a key part of Parliament’s constitutional mandate to ensure that citizens contribute to legislative and other national processes.
Section 141 of the Constitution, read together with Section 13(2), provides for public involvement in parliamentary processes and national development.
Section 28(5) of the Public Finance Management Act also requires the Finance minister to consult Parliament during the formulation of the National Budget, with Parliament expected to seek public views.
The consultations provide an opportunity for citizens, businesses and other stakeholders to identify pressing needs and propose spending priorities, helping ensure that the national fiscal plan responds to the aspirations and circumstances of the people it serves.
