By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
The MEC for Health in Mpumalanga, Sasekani Manzini, has tabled the budget vote for the Department of Health for the 2025/26 financial year. The budget allocation for the department is R19 750 974 000.
Key Highlights of the Budget
The MEC highlighted several key areas of focus for the department, including:
– Expanding tertiary services and improving access to healthcare for all citizens
– Strengthening primary healthcare services through the Ideal Clinic Realisation and Maintenance (ICRM) programme
– Improving emergency medical services and reducing response times
– Enhancing human resource capacity through training and development programs
– Improving financial governance and accountability
Cheka Impilo Campaign
The MEC announced the launch of the Cheka Impilo Campaign, aimed at encouraging citizens to know their health status and take necessary preventive measures. The campaign will be led by the Premier as the Volunteer in Chief and will target households, workplaces, churches, and other gathering places.
Challenges and Future Plans
The MEC acknowledged the challenges facing the department, including demographic pressures and service demand, and emphasised the need for continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and human resources. She also highlighted the department’s commitment to improving financial governance and accountability.
“ Madam Speaker, this budget is also anchored in our nation’s broader vision for a just and dignified future. It is shaped by the National Development Plan (NDP 2030), which calls for a health care system that is accessible to
all, rooted in equity, efficiency, and a patient-centered ethos. Health is dignity! Health is freedom! We will fight for universal health care until victory is won!” said MEC Manzini.
Budget Allocation
The budget allocation for the department is as follows:
• Administration – R421 091 000
• District Health Services – R11 779 259 000
• Emergency Medical Services – R576 307 000
• Provincial Hospital Services – R2 000 242 000
• Central Hospital Services – R2 204 272 000
• Health Sciences and Training – R587 239 000
• Health Care Support Services – R407 028 000
• Health Facilities Management – R1 775 536 000
The MEC emphasised that the budget is a strategic mandate to deliver essential health services to the people of Mpumalanga and is committed to ensuring that every rand is spent in a way that advances the cause of social justice and better health for all.
