5 Twitter accounts to follow before the 2019 Budget Speech

Will we be paying more tax this year? Will the sugar tax remain? Will Eskom and SAA continue to be economic leeches on the economy?

That, and more, will be revealed in more subtle terms on Wednesday, as finance minister Tito Mboweni delivers his first major budget speech under President Cyril Ramaphosa.

But before a word is said in Parliament this week, head on over to Twitter and follow these big players in South Africa’s finance gearbox.

Tito Mboweni

The deliverer of the budget speech itself and hopefully the man who will announce some good news on Wednesday, Mboweni’s not shy to take on a controversial debate on Twitter.

It is a good sign of a vibrant democracy that we can agree to disagree. Nothing wrong with that. None of us has a “monopoly “ of the “correct “ line. Over and out.

— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) January 25, 2019

South Africa’s National Treasury

The national bank account (yes, I know that’s a simplification) manages the length and breadth of South Africa’s finances. It also tends to tweet like the social media manager of a talent competition.

It's a few days to go until Minister of Finance @tito_mboweni tables the Budget. Have you submitted your tips to the Minister? No? There's still time! Submit on Budgettips@treasury.gov.za and stand a chance to have your tip read by the Minister in his speech! #RSABudget2019

— National Treasury (@TreasuryRSA) February 11, 2019

David Maynier

Currently South Africa’s shadow finance minister, Maynier last tweeted in 2018. Although, in 2018, his account did feature gems like the tweet below. Could Mboweni’s speech encourage him to revive his account? Or has he forgotten his password?

https://t.co/8DSycpjSkA

— David Maynier MP (@DavidMaynier) November 20, 2018

Julius Malema

The EFF’s commander in chief has been particularly annoyed at President Ramaphosa’s Eskom announcements. Actually, he’s been annoyed about Eskom since 2015. Mboweni is expected to include the ailing power utility in his speech, so how will Malema react?

LISTEN: This is what happens when Eskom and E-tolls talk to each other http://t.co/bf89d9AwE0

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) July 22, 2015

Mmusi Maimane

At the far end of the Eskom spectrum, DA leader is keen for government to privatize Eskom. He’s been notably vocal about President Ramaphosa’s SONA 2019 address. It’s not likely he’ll be satisfied by Mboweni’s budget speech.

In the next 10 minutes I will be outlining our short, medium & long-term plan to deal with our nation’s energy crisis alongside side @Natasha9Mazzone and @alanwinde

The future of #Eskom is important to every one of us and is impacting the SAs economy. pic.twitter.com/WiCcerTWk5

— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) February 14, 2019

Who will you be following during South Africa’s 2019 Budget Speech? Let us know in the comments below.

Feature image: Andy Walker/Memeburn