News24 reports that on the eve of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's Budget speech on Wednesday, several trade unions and lobby groups cautioned against further spending cuts.

Supporters filled the St George's Cathedral for the "People's Budget" on Tuesday evening in an effort to convince Godongwana to keep health, education, and unemployed youth at the forefront. Those in attendance included trade union federations Cosatu and Saftu, the SACP and lobby groups such as Equal Education, Treatment Action Campaign, Youth Capital, and the People's Health Movement. Concerns among trade unions have been mounting over the past few days that Godongwana may slash critical funding in key departments such as education and health. The unions intend to march to Parliament on Wednesday with the over 100,000 objections collected against any cuts. Saftu’s Zwelinzima Vavi sent out a stern message, saying they rejected austerity and privatisation. "We reject that privatisation puts profits over people. We demand a society where resources are allocated to ensure housing, education, healthcare, and dignifying documents for all. Together, we proclaim people before profits. Down with austerity, down," he said. Abeeda Adams of the General Industries Workers Union of SA added: “The people are gatvol. We are tired of surviving while the rich thrive. It is time for bold, immediate action.”

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Marvin Charles at News24 (subscription or trial registration required)

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