Martin Lukato Lukato on the tabling and debate around the national budget

[PODCAST]

The Minister of Finance and Social Grants, Ericah Shafudah, officially tabled the national budget but while the budget may be on the table, the debate around it is just beginning.

One voice calling for pause before progress is that of  Martin Lukato, leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP). He stood up in Parliament and made a formal request—two weeks for lawmakers to study the budget before any deliberations commence.

His reasoning? This budget, he argues, was prepared under the previous regime, and must be scrutinised to ensure it aligns with the goals, vision, and economic direction of the new leadership.

So we ask: What’s really in the budget? Who benefits? And what might have been overlooked in the handover of power? He joined us to unpack this.