​Staff Writer
Gauteng Finance MEC Jacob Mamabo presented a budget totalling R165.8 billion for the 2024/25 fiscal year during his address in the Legislature.
The MEC reflected on the key achievements of the current term, highlighting that the 2022/23 audit outcomes marked the best of the Sixth Administration.
"All departments in the province achieved unqualified audit outcomes. Six of these departments achieved clean audit outcomes. There were no disclaimers."
For this financial year, the budget allocations include transfers from the National Government, with the Provincial Equitable Share amounting to R127.9 billion, R133.7 billion, and R139.9 billion for each respective year of the 2024 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
The bulk of the budget will go to the Department of Community Safety, which has been allocated R2.3 billion in 2024/25 and R7.2 billion over the 2024 MTEF to bolster law enforcement capabilities.
Mamabo said these funds will support initiatives such as Crime Prevention Wardens, aerial crime-fighting assets including helicopters and drones, the Provincial Integrated Command Centre, community policing efforts, and combatting Gender-Based Violence and crimes against children through the GBV Response Plan.
This financial year, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development has allocated R1.7 billion for the current year and R5.3 billion to drive job creation initiatives, revitalise township economies, establish Special Economic Zones to attract investment and tourism, and promote business activity through initiatives like the #VisitGauteng—Zwakala communication campaign.
To bolster employment, the iSpani Mass Recruitment Programme, launched by the Premier in June last year, will continue to facilitate youth access to job opportunities within departments, contributing to improving service delivery.
In addition, the budget will fund the Green Army, Sawubona Mhlali, and Civic Ambassadors through internal reprioritisation within respective departments.
The Gauteng Department of Education receives R65.8 billion for 2024/25 and a total of R205.9 billion over the 2024 MTEF to expand access to quality education and skills development opportunities to empower individuals, enhance workforce readiness, and drive socio-economic progress.
The department's allocation includes R8.6 billion and nearly R24.7 billion to implement a number of interventions: School Nutrition, Scholar Transport, Psycho-social support for inclusive education, Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM), Schools of Specialisation, Grade R expansion, Public and Independent School Subsidies, and Norms and Standards.
The Gauteng Department of Health has allocated R64.8 billion and R202.7 billion over the MTEF to implement health and wellness interventions, particularly in townships, informal settlements, and hostels.