Pic :MEC for Finance, Bonakele Majuba
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government has delivered the 2025/26 budget, and also tabled the Appropriation Bill along with Estimates of the Provincial Revenue and Expenditure for the same financial year, outlining the spending priorities and development goals.
The budget, presented by the MEC for Finance, Bonakele Majuba, aims to address the province’s socio-economic challenges and promote economic growth.
Majuba said low global growth and rising geopolitical risks are likely to affect the economies of South Africa and Mpumalanga, amidst other persistent challenges such as high unemployment, Poverty, and inequality.
“ The provincial economy is expected to grow very much in line with the national prospects. We expect the provincial growth rate of just below 2% annually between 2024 and 2028. The highest growth rates are expected in the transport and communication industry, finance, construction, and trade.
“ Other key industries with potential for high growth include agriculture and agriculture-processing, manufacturing, and tourism. These will have a positive effect on the job creation efforts of the province,” said Majuba.
The provincial budget amounts to R66 billion, with the largest share allocated to the Department of Education (R28.7 billion).
The Department of Health receives R19.7 billion, while the Department of Public Works, Roads, and Transport gets R5.8 billion.
Key spending priorities include:
• Education: R1.8 billion for the expansion of the eLearning program, R1.1 billion for Learner Teacher Support Material, and R155 million for the construction of new schools.
• Health: R47.4 million for the recruitment of medical officers, R3.2 billion for health sector non-negotiables, and R80 million for the construction of new clinics.
• Infrastructure development: R163.9 million for the Scholar Transport program, R40 million for the construction of the Manyeleti road, and R30 million for the Driekoppies bridge.
• Economic development: R1.3 billion for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism to drive growth initiatives and unlock investment potential.
The budget also prioritises social development, with R1.8 billion allocated to the Department of Social Development to support vulnerable and marginalized communities.
The provincial government has emphasized its commitment to addressing the province’s challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
The budget aims to promote economic growth, improve service delivery, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Mpumalanga.
