Mpumalanga Provincial Budget aims to address inequality and unemployment

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe

Mpumalanga MEC for Finance, Bonakele Majuba, has tabled the provincial budget, prioritising investments in education, health, housing, and job creation.

The budget aims to address the struggles of unemployment, inequality, and the rising cost of living, echoing Chris Hani’s caution against liberation becoming a privilege for the few.

Majuba said the Provincial Budget is a pledge by government to invest in equal access to education, health, housing, and job creation. He said it provides funding for the building of schools, healthcare centres, and opportunities that transform freedom from an aspiration into a lived reality.

Over R4 billion has been reportedly allocated towards economic and social infrastructure such as new roads, schools, hospitals, and private sector driven energy projects that will open opportunities for local businesses and empower communities.

“ The Provincial economy is expected to be 1.3 per cent, rising to 1.9 per cent in 2027 and reaching 3 per cent in 2029, which is in line with the Medium-Term Development Plan’s growth target. We expect agriculture, finance, transport and communication, and construction to anchor the provincial growth into the future.

“ The financial sector, in particularly, is constantly achieving a growth rate of 2 per cent and more per annum, and an average annual growth of 3.2 per cent is projected for the 2024-2029 period,” said MEC Majuba.

• Provincial Legislature

An allocation of R584 million 460 thousand is made to the Legislature to strengthen its oversight of the Executive, and to ensure that public participation reaches every corner of our province

• Office of The Premier

The Seventh Administration has resolved to deepen stakeholder engagement, broaden citizen participation, and strengthen citizen focused service delivery. To give effect to this undertaking, the Office of the Premier is allocated R505 million and 959 thousand

• Provincial Treasury

The Provincial Treasury is allocated R729 million 185 thousand to strengthen budget implementation aligned to priorities, prudent and accountable expenditure management, financial governance in both MFMA and PFMA institutions and drive digital transformation initiatives.

• Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs

The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs is allocated R1 billion 827 million 23 thousand to drive food security, sustainable land use, and national imperatives such as climate resilience and biodiversity protection in the Province.

• Co‑operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs

The Department of Co‑operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs receives R2 billion 370 million 438 thousand to support local government and provide integrated housing and basic services to communities.

• Economic Development and Tourism

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is allocated R1 billion 406 million 635 thousand to foster inclusive economic growth and position our province as an attractive destination for investment and tourism.

• Education

The Department of Education receives 43.4 per cent of the total provincial budget or R30 billion, 619 million, 440 thousand.

• Community Safety, Security and Liaison

The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison is allocated R2 billion, 350 million, 442 thousand, to intensify oversight of the police, enforce road safety laws, and ensure the security of citizens in public facilities.

• Public Works, Roads and Transport

The department is allocated R6 billion 56 million 755 thousand to deliver social and economic infrastructure for both communities and businesses.

• Health

The Department of Health is allocated R21 billion, 193 million, 365 thousand. Health is not a privilege reserved for the few; it is a fundamental right of every individual. We will continue to advocate for National Health Insurance, while strengthening the foundations of our provincial health system to deliver equitable and compassionate care.

• Culture, Sport and Recreation

The Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation is allocated R721 million 373 thousand. To preserve our heritage, drive transformation through sport, and support language diversification.

• Social Development

R2 billion 25 million 372 thousand is allocated to the Department of Social Development to provide care, protection, and opportunities that promote dignity and build an inclusive society.

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