By 
The Free State Legislature has experienced a budget cut of 11.4% for the current fiscal year, 2025/26; this will limit the reach of Legislature in terms of its oversight and governance mandate.
The Speaker of Legislature Hon. Mxolisi Dukwana has expressed concern regarding the decreased budget for legislature. He said during his budget speech recently in Bloemfontein the budget cut will impact on the effectiveness of the house to carry out its duties.
Though it is understandable that the economic environment in the country is not favourable, he said the cut from R347.7 million the previous financial year to R317. 306 is paralysing to the Free State Legislature.
The Speaker said despite the tight financial constraints reflected in the 11.4% decrease to R317.306 million for the 2025/2026 financial year, concerted and determined efforts have been made at the highest levels to mitigate the potential negative impact on our core constitutional functions.
“Through robust engagements and extensive deliberations with the Member of the Executive Council for Treasury, we have taken a concrete and principled stance, a posture aimed at turning the corner by securing the essential resources required for the Legislature to fully and effectively achieve its mandate as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
This is not a mere request but a constitutional imperative. The current allocation stands in stark contrast to the growing demands of oversight and governance placed upon us. We cannot allow limited resources to erode the quality and effectiveness of our oversight functions and public participation, which underpin our democracy,” said Speaker Mxolisi Dukwana.
“Moreover, let it be clearly understood that failure to allocate the necessary budget for the Legislature will have serious consequences. In particular, Rule 187(2) of our Standing Rules and Orders which provides that: “A money Bill shall not be introduced in the Legislature unless consensus has been reached between the Speaker and the Member of the Executive Council in charge of the Bill regarding the Legislature’s allocation in the Appropriation Bill and the Adjustment Appropriation Bill.”
This provision underscores the critical balance and mutual accountability required for sound financial governance. It places a solemn responsibility on the Executive to engage constructively and to prioritize the Legislature’s fiscal needs. Should this responsibility be neglected, it will fundamentally compromise the ability of the Free State Legislature to perform its constitutional oversight, legislative and public participation functions,” he continued.
Dukwana said the Free State Legislature is faced with a mammoth task ahead; him and his team have resolved to vigorously advocate for a budget that reflects the true cost of democracy in the Free State and empowers the institute to serve the people effectively and with integrity.
“We owe no less to the citizens we represent,” he said.
