CAPE TOWN - Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will address the nation on Wednesday afternoon to give the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.
Civil society groups are holding a protest outside Parliament ahead of the address.
Speaking to eNCA, Alternative Information and Development Centre (Aidc) Brown Domini said they have gathered to demonstrate their resistance against underfunding to public healthcare, public education and public services.
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"This consistent underfunding has crippled the public sector and opening up the door to the private sector.
"But the private sector is only aimed at creating profit, leading to a further exclusion of the majority of people in the country who are unable to afford decent services like electricity and healthcare," he said.
The Medium-Term Budget follows a political struggle over a VAT increase that postponed the main budget.
WATCH: Godongwana feeling good ahead of medium-term budget speech
With government spending stretched, small and medium-sized enterprises are seeking relief, and economists are warning that higher taxes may be unavoidable.
Everyone is watching how Treasury plans to close the gap without harming the economy.