This Workers’ Day, yet another cost of living shock looms, and poor and working communities are menaced by hunger and fuel shortages. But the person who is tasked with protecting them from dire economic hardship is instead busy fending off serious allegations of having enriched herself and her inner circle at the public’s expense.

Black Sash is deeply concerned by the rise in xenophobic rhetoric and anti-constitutional sentiments we have seen in recent months- behaviour we believe has fueled the rise in tensions within communities. When these harmful narratives are normalised- be it from the podium, the parliamentarians, or the police station- when people are blamed for economic hardship, and when hostility becomes acceptable in public discourse, it creates the conditions for violence.

This Workers’ Day, yet another cost of living shock looms, and poor and working communities are menaced by hunger and fuel shortages. But the person who is tasked with protecting them from dire economic hardship is instead busy fending off serious allegations of having enriched herself and her inner circle at the public’s expense.

Black Sash urges government to put the needs of the millions of those living in South Africa who are struggling to survive at the centre of its planning. As South Africa prepares for the 2026 Budget Speech, Dignity, livelihoods, and basic survival must be a priority.

As South Africa prepares to hear the 2026 State of the Nation Address, Black Sash calls on government to take urgent and concrete action to protect and expand social support for those living in poverty. With more than two-thirds of South Africans living below the upper-bound poverty line, delays in delivering adequate social protection are unacceptable.