Ncube rejects spending spree claims

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube rejected claims that the Office of the President and Cabinet engaged in a spending spree after reports showed 143% budget utilisation by 30 June 2026. He issued a press statement on 31 July 2026 defending the figure as proper accounting. The public debate questioned the overspend, with critics alleging fiscal irresponsibility. Ncube argued the utilisation reflects necessary expenditures and not a spree. The controversy exposes tensions over fiscal transparency and executive spending. The government faces scrutiny over its budget management.