Gauteng Unveils R78.8 Billion Budget to Drive Service Delivery and Build a Capable State
By Zubenathi Ngxakisa
Gauteng is taking bold steps toward building a capable, accountable, and people-first provincial government, with a consolidated investment of R78.8 billion announced across five key portfolios for the 2025/26 financial year.
Unveiled during a post-budget media briefing at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, MECs Jacob Mamabolo (Infrastructure Development & CoGTA), Tasneem Motara (Human Settlements), and Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko (Health & Acting MEC for e-Government) unpacked the province's fiscal priorities and implementation strategy.
"This budget is not just about spending. It's about impact," said MEC Mamabolo. "Every Rand is geared toward building a Gauteng that works and works for its people."
Coordinated Governance for Delivery
At the heart of this investment is a shift to integrated governance and delivery systems. MEC Mamabolo emphasised the formation of a tripartite delivery mechanism bringing together the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID), Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA), and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). This alignment is intended to accelerate timelines, unblock delays, and ensure quality delivery.
A newly launched Infrastructure War Room will oversee risk management, unlock funding—particularly through Public-Private Partnerships and drive turnaround strategies across critical infrastructure projects.
"This is a unified, coordinated system designed to maximise impact. We're done managing problems. We're building solutions," Mamabolo added.
Healthcare Gets the Lion's Share
With a budget allocation of R67 billion, the Gauteng Department of Health will channel its funding toward improving infrastructure, staffing, and services in public hospitals and clinics. MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko confirmed that investment will also support the roll-out of smart health systems and digital tools aimed at enhancing patient care.
"This allocation allows us to address backlogs and build a responsive, people-centered public health system," she said.
Human Settlements: Building Dignity
MEC Tasneem Motara announced a R6.06 billion allocation for Human Settlements. The department aims to intensify the delivery of integrated, mixed-income housing, formalise informal settlements, and increase the rollout of serviced stands to underserved communities.
"Housing is not postponed. Housing is not negotiable. And hope is not an illusion," said Motara, stressing that decent shelter is central to restoring dignity and economic inclusion.
A Digital-First Province
Over R1.5 billion has been allocated to the Department of e-Government to further expand the Gauteng Provincial Government Network (GPGN), which has already connected more than 2,000 government sites with digital infrastructure. The focus for 2025/26 includes widening digital access in schools, clinics, and townships and improving public safety through expanded surveillance systems.
As part of this commitment, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko confirmed the roll-out of 15,000 emergency call buttons to enhance safety and responsiveness in communities, especially in the fight against gender-based violence.
Smart Spending, Stronger State
Across all departments, the provincial government is making a deliberate shift from fragmented expenditure to impact-driven delivery. The budget signals a strategic commitment to building a capable, future-ready state — one that integrates infrastructure, housing, healthcare, and technology to serve the people of Gauteng.
This R78.8 billion investment reflects more than fiscal planning—it's a declaration that service delivery is non-negotiable,