MPUMALANGA — The province’s MEC for Finance, Bonakele Majuba, presented the province’s R66.2 billion budget for 2025/26 on March 18, 2025. The budget aims to stimulate economic growth and address unemployment, poverty, and inequality by focusing on job creation, infrastructure development, and enhanced service delivery.
MEC Majuba reported that Mpumalanga’s economic outlook is improving due to sustained power supply, lower inflation, and job creation in late 2024. Challenges such as low growth, high unemployment, and inequality persist. The provincial economy is projected to grow at just below 2% annually between 2024 and 2028, driven by sectors such as transport, finance, construction, and trade.
Mpumalanga reached record-high employment of 1.25 million in 2024. However, youth unemployment remains at 48.9% and female unemployment at 37%. The province aims to create 50,000-60,000 jobs annually in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and the informal sector over the next five years to address this issue.
The budget allocates R52.4 billion from the equitable share, R10.4 billion from conditional grants, and R2.4 billion from provincial own revenue. Key spending priorities include:
The largest portion of the budget, R28.7 billion, is allocated to Education. Of this, R1.8 billion will go towards expanding the eLearning program, R1.1 billion will be used for learner-teacher support materials, and additional funds will be allocated to construct new schools, including Mokebe Secondary and Khokhovela Primary.
The health sector receives R19.7 billion, including R3.2 billion for essential services and R80 million for four new clinics. Mapulaneng and Linah Malatji hospitals will also receive funding.
R5.8 billion is allocated to Infrastructure and Roads, with R3.7 billion for road maintenance and R40 million for Manyeleti Road construction. Funds are also allocated for Driekoppies and Emalahleni civic bridges.
The budget prioritises investment potential and tourism, with funding allocated to the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone, Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market, and the Mariepskop Cable Car project.
Social Development (R1.8 billion): The Department of Social Development will receive R141 million for the construction of centres for the elderly and R32.5 million to support non-profit organisations caring for children and youth.
R493 million is allocated to the Office of the Premier to enhance service delivery, including R12 million for a Provincial Programme Management Unit (PMU) to improve infrastructure delivery, identify catalytic projects, and leverage investment opportunities.
MEC Majuba also emphasised the importance of financial governance, with the Provincial Treasury receiving an additional R80 million to maintain transversal systems and invest in ICT infrastructure.
Delivering the budget during Human Rights Month, MEC Majuba paid tribute to the Sharpeville Massacre and reaffirmed the province’s commitment to advancing human rights. He quoted Vladimir Lenin, stating, “There can be no real and effective ‘freedom’ in a society based on the power of money,” and emphasised the government’s dedication to addressing poverty and inequality.
MEC Majuba is optimistic about the province’s future and urges departments to use their budgets effectively. He concludes by quoting Wangari Maathai, noting that humanity must now shift to new levels of consciousness.
The budget documents, including the Appropriation Bill and Estimates of Provincial Revenue and Expenditure, were presented to the legislature for consideration.
