The 2013 budget has been crafted in the midst of an uncertain global economic environment. South Africa is also affected by this. Our situation as the province is also acerbated by a declined equitable rate capture in the latest census results. As such it is then appropriate for budget purposes that choices are made in a way that ensures that the provincial government prioritises a developmental agenda through social services and also encourages economic growth through infrastructure spending.
The total provincial budget for the 2013/14 financial year amounts to R48.4 billion. Of this R23.5 billion or 48.5 per cent of the budget is allocated to Education. This will mostly fund the salaries of teachers, the purchase of textbooks and other learning materials, as well as the delivery of school infrastructure. More than R800 million is allocated purely for upgrading our schools, adding new classrooms, libraries and school laboratories.
Just under 27 per cent of the budget or R13.1 billion has been allocated to Health. A major focus area in this department is additional budgeting for the recruitment of doctors, nurses and other health service professionals.
In addition, a major injection is being made to the department’s HIV and AIDS treatment, with more than R861 million in 2013/14 and R3 billion allocated across the MTEF for the HIV and AIDS programme.
Another major priority area is making sure we have sufficient numbers of social workers to provide assistance to families, children, and the elderly. An amount of R1.4 billion is allocated to the Department of Social Development, with R388.4 million being made available to NGOs in 2013/14.
Infrastructure spending plays a major part in the province’s spending plans. This is in line with the objective of investing in future growth. The total infrastructure spending in 2013/14 will amount to R5.2 billion. The primary infrastructure delivery departments of Public Works and Roads and Transport receive R877.1 million and R3.5 billion respectively. In addition, spending on delivery of housing will amount to R1.3 billion.
Given the above resource allocations to key priority areas, a major objective will be value for money and addressing wastage and corruption. In a partnership between the Provincial Treasury and the National Treasury, projects are already under-way to address the audit findings of the Auditor-General of South Africa.
In addition, poor management of assets will be addressed as well as the actual cost management in infrastructure to ensure that poor unit costing does not result in lower results per rand spent. Finally, we will be working with the national chief procurement officer in the National Treasury to ensure that tender and supply chain processes are reformed and managed effectively and legally.
Enquiries:
Nokubongwa Mdlalose
Cell: 082 904 6758
Sydwell Sibanda
Cell: 083 384 3385
