Gauteng’s comprehensive 2025 Budget, totalling R527.2 billion for the 2025 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), aims to address the province's evolving needs while fostering inclusive development and improving service delivery.

The provincial Finance MEC Lebogang Maile delivered his 2025 Budget speech in the Gauteng Legislature on Tuesday, committing to ensure better service delivery in Africa’s economic powerhouse.

“Over time, budgets tend to grow incrementally, often carrying forward historical allocations without necessarily reflecting the evolving needs of our country,” Maile quoted National Treasury Minister Enoch Godongwana, underscoring the necessity for a budget that aligns with current realities and priorities.

Key Budget Highlights

The budget, which grows at an annual average of 3% from R171.5 billion in 2025/26 to R175.1 billion in 2026/27 and R180.5 billion in 2027/28, is characterised by compulsory baseline reductions across all provincial departments.

Maile highlighted that this approach is essential to accommodate the downward revision of the Provincial Equitable Share and address the provincial budget deficit.

“Despite the challenges, the Gauteng Provincial Government remains resolute in its commitment to prioritise critical areas that will drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for our residents,” Maile stated.

Departmental Allocations

The budget allocations for the 2025/26 financial year include critical investments across various sectors:

Office of the Premier: R1.5 billion to implement the 2024–2029 Gauteng Medium-Term Development Plan.

Gauteng Department of Health: R66 billion to modernise healthcare infrastructure and improve service delivery, particularly in underserved communities.

Gauteng Department of Education: R69.6 billion to enhance access to quality education and early childhood development, focusing on inclusivity and improved outcomes for vulnerable groups.

Gauteng Department of Economic Development: R1.6 billion to promote investment and develop economic infrastructure, particularly in townships and peri-urban areas.

Gauteng Department of Human Settlements: R5.8 billion to provide inclusive housing opportunities and support job creation through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport: R9.7 billion for a safe, reliable integrated transport system, including infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.

Gauteng Department of Community Safety: R2.4 billion to enhance public safety and improve policing efforts across the province.

In addition, the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation will receive R1 billion in the 2025/26 financial year and R3.1 billion over the MTEF to integrate sports and the arts into community development plans.

Maile said this aims to promote arts and culture and support extra-curricular activities within educational settings. The department will also bid for national and international events, enhancing the province's cultural vibrancy.

Investing in Infrastructure and Technology

The Gauteng Department of e-Government will be allocated R1.5 billion in the 2025/26 financial year to expand ICT connectivity across the province.

He stated that this funding will support the Gauteng Provincial Network, enhance infrastructure, and expand Wi-Fi hotspots in townships.

The installation of CCTV cameras will also be prioritised to combat crime and enhance community safety.

Furthermore, the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development has been allocated R3.6 billion to revitalise central business districts into vibrant economic hubs while ensuring the completion of precinct developments for provincial departments.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Maile emphasised that the budget also allocates R3 billion over the MTEF to offset public sector wage settlements, alongside a once-off allocation of R207 million for the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, specifically targeting the teacher assistants' program.

“We are determined to unlock the province's potential by investing strategically in sectors that can drive job creation and economic development,” Maile said.

The budget includes provisions for the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which will receive R2 billion to revitalise the agricultural sector and support small and medium agro-processing enterprises.

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