Provincial Budget
By Mpho Moloi
Gauteng MEC for Finance Lebogang Maile is scheduled to deliver the provincial budget on Tuesday, 18 March 2025. The budget presentation was originally planned for earlier in March but was postponed due to the delay of the national budget. This provincial budget outlines Gauteng’s financial strategy for the year, detailing its revenue and expenditure plans, and its tabling hinges on the national budget’s timeline.
The national budget, presented to Parliament, includes the Division of Revenue Bill, which dictates how much funding each province receives from the National Treasury. The delay in the national budget’s approval has directly impacted Gauteng’s ability to finalize and present its provincial budget, creating a ripple effect of uncertainty for the province’s financial planning.
The 2025 provincial budget arrives during a period of fiscal tightening, as the National Treasury has called on all government entities to reduce spending. This directive reflects broader efforts to manage South Africa’s strained public finances amid economic challenges. Gauteng, the country’s economic powerhouse, has already experienced the consequences of these budget cuts. In 2024, the province was forced to terminate the contracts of over 1,000 assistant teachers due to a funding freeze imposed by the National Treasury, underscoring the tangible impact on essential services like education.
Compounding Gauteng’s financial difficulties is the pressure to service its multibillion-rand e-toll debt. This debt, linked to the controversial e-toll system for road infrastructure funding, requires the province to adhere to a substantial payment plan. The obligation limits Gauteng’s flexibility to redirect funds toward other critical needs, further straining its budget.
Opposition parties in the province have called on the government to prioritize key areas in the upcoming budget, specifically infrastructure, education, and health. These sectors are vital for improving residents’ quality of life and addressing persistent service delivery issues. However, with the National Treasury advocating for reduced spending and Gauteng grappling with existing financial commitments, it is unclear how much the province can allocate to these priorities.
As Lebogang Maile prepares to unveil the budget on Tuesday, attention will focus on how Gauteng plans to balance its fiscal responsibilities with the urgent need to maintain and enhance service delivery. The budget speech will shed light on the province’s approach to navigating these challenges under tight financial constraints.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 98 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Fezile Dabi Mayor Khasudi: ‘The Boreholes Exist, and the DA is Delivering for Residents”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Central-News-Issue-098.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube