Limpopo 2025/26 Budget Speech tabled by the MEC for Finance, Mr Kgabo Mahoai, at the Provincial Legislature, Lebowakgomo
Speaker of our Provincial Legislature, Honourable Mmakoma Makhurupetje
The Deputy Speaker of the Legislature, Honourable Tebogo Mamorobela;
Premier of our Province, Honourable Dr Phophi Ramathuba
Honourable Members of the Executive Council;
Honourable Members of the Provincial Legislature;
Leaders of various Opposition parties present;
Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, Hosi Pheni Ngove le maKgoshi kamoka present;
Former Members of the Provincial Legislature, present here;
The Director-General of the Province Mr Nape Nchabeleng and All Heads of Departments;
Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Fiscal Commission- Mr Thulani Ntuli Members of the Boards and Chief Executive Officers of our various Entities present;
Executive Mayors, Mayors and All Councillors present;
Leadership of the governing party, the African National Congress, represented by Musanda Vho Rueben Madadzhe;
Leaders and Representatives of our Chapter 9 and Chapter 10 Institutions present;
Leaders of Organised Labour, Faith Based and Civil Society Organisations present;
All leaders of our Youth, Women and People with Disabilities present;
Captains and leaders of various Industries;
Distinguished Guests,
People of our province, Limpopo;
Thobela, Ndi Matsheloni, Avuxeni
1. Honourable speaker, we have the honour to table before this august house:
- The Limpopo Appropriation Bill, 2025
- Estimates of Provincial Revenue and Expenditure 2025
- Overview of Provincial Revenue and Expenditure 2025
- Socio-Economic Review and Outlook 2025; and
- Supporting gazettes and,
- The budget speech
2. Honourable Speaker, as we gather here today to present the budget of the Limpopo Provincial Government, let us reflect on the old-age wisdom of our forebearers: 'When a cow is slaughtered, every part is put to good use, for it is in its entirety where lies the nourishment for the whole community.' Just as the skilled butcher knows how to utilise each part of a cow—transforming its meat into sustenance, its hide into shelter and its bones into tools - so too must we approach our budget.
3. In the face of challenges, we are called to ensure that every rand is allocated wisely and effectively, addressing our three government priorities while leaving no resource wasted. Together, we will navigate these difficult circumstances, ensuring that our province thrives and that every resident benefits from our collective wisdom and efforts.
4. Honourable Speaker, the unprecedented events around the tabling of the national budget and the subsequent delays in the tabling of the provincial budgets have truly tested the mantle of our democracy as a nation. Even though as a province we do not have the complexities of a multiparty governance, we too are affected. We hope for the ease approval of the tabled budget by the National Assembly.
5. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa lays the foundation for a unitary but decentralised system of intergovernmental relations by providing for three "distinctive, interdependent and interrelated" spheres of government. It is in this context that our province does not operate outside the framework laid down by the Minister of Finance in his budget speech.
6. In this regard, the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC) plays a critical role by providing independent, research-based advice to Parliament, provincial legislatures and municipalities on the division of nationally collected revenue. The FFC ensures that the allocation of funds aligns with constitutional principles of equity and efficiency, thereby reinforcing the intergovernmental fiscal framework.
7. Furthermore, the Division of Revenue Bill gives legal effect to these allocations by specifying how funds are distributed across the three spheres of government. Therefore, our provincial budget must align with the national budget framework while responding to local service delivery needs.
State of the Economy
8. We are presenting this budget at a time of high uncertainties, shaped by both domestic and global economic trends. The political developments, following the 2024 US Presidential elections, the posture taken, coupled with the uniqueness of the operation of our Government of National Unity in our country, are some of the phenomena that will shape our approach to the challenges brought about by the uncertain socio-economic climate.
9. These paradigm shifts, in tandem with ongoing global geo-political tensions, are influencing the global economy, creating challenges for governments, businesses and households alike. The geo-political dynamics, including trade conflicts, tariff battles, shifting alliances and international security concerns are likely to have far-reaching consequences. In addition, other factors such as inflation rates, energy crises and economic policies in various nations also play a role in driving our economic transformation.
10. The global economy continues to exhibit divergent trends, with emerging markets and developing economies expected to experience stagnant growth between now and 2026. In contrast, advanced economies are projected to witness modest growth, while sub-Saharan African countries, including South Africa, are anticipated to record a positive growth during this period. However, persistent economic structural challenges hinder South Africa's economic growth and prevent the country from achieving the desired growth levels necessary to address pressing socio-economic challenges.
11. The South African economy, including that of our province has stagnated for over a decade now. During the same period, the GDP growth has averaged less than 2 per cent, far below the level required to meet the expanding list of needs by our people. In 2024, the South African economy grew by only 0.6 per cent. Over the medium term, the GDP growth is projected to average 1.8 per cent. On the other hand, the provincial economy grew by only 0.2 per cent.
12. Whereas in the past 10 years, Limpopo’s GDP has only grown about 2.0 per cent, in 2021 at 5.5 per cent from a negative growth of -6.7 per cent in 2020, which was the result of the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2024, the province GDP only grew by 0.2 per cent following a 0.6 per cent growth in 2023.
13. Agriculture, manufacturing, construction, wholesale and transport sectors all contributed negatively to the provincial GDP growth in 2024, while mining, electricity, finance and personal services recorded positive growth.
14. Honourable Speaker, our economic performance obviously is a mirror reflection of the country’s GDP growth since the South African GDP as indicated earlier, has also contracted. Agriculture remains one of the main sectors for Limpopo’s economic growth and has unfortunately recorded a significantly larger decline. However, at least on a positive note, the mining sector recorded an increase as the province’s economic growth continue to be more reliant on the sector given its bigger share.
15. Therefore, there can never be a greater need than now, for the province to address the provincial development challenges and to unlock economic opportunities through increased productivity in agriculture, manufacturing and construction sectors. To this effect, we must have a transformed economic structure with greater emphasis on value addition and high investment on infrastructure projects that will help to create employment and stimulate the economy.
16. Equally important, to meet the country and provincial goals of redistribution, redress and structural transformation, the economy needs to grow much faster and in an inclusive manner, which is the central objective of the current 7th administration.
17. It is against this background that this budget proposes a bold and pragmatic approach to achieve this formidable task as it calls for macro-economic stability supported by sound fiscal policy, deepening local structural reforms to remove the obstacles to a sustainable economic growth and a solid foundation for job creation. This will enhance the province’s resilience to external shocks and create a conducive environment for investment in the province.
Infrastructure Development
18. Honourable Speaker, investment in infrastructure remains the backbone for economic recovery, development and improving the living standards for the residents of our province; hence the province continues to introduce fundamental reforms to enhance planning and provision of infrastructure. It is also essential to advance the progress made in enhancing infrastructure planning, delivery and procurement over the years.
19. The province’s infrastructure planning framework which was applied over the past years is aligned with best practices, which include the National Treasury’s Infrastructure Delivery Management System (IDMS) and the Infrastructure Alignment Model. It is therefore necessary that the province continues to implement this framework over the 2025 MTEF, more so that it has demonstrated maturity and steadfastness; to a point that together with National Treasury we developed a case study on the best practice infrastructure reforms implemented by our province.
20. Over and above the notable best practices, we continue to observe strategic challenges that require us to enhance our infrastructure planning reforms and delivery strategies on a regular basis. This means that our approach to infrastructure delivery has to be proactive rather than reactive; and we can ensure this by strengthening governance, not only to promote value for money, but to ensure that the infrastructure budget allocations are directed towards the right projects in a coordinated and reliable manner.
21. Furthermore, there is a need to enhance the province’s capacity to deliver infrastructure projects on time, within budget and to the required quality standards. The province is developing a framework to oversee the capacity and performance of implementing agencies. This framework is intended to provide a coordinated approach to define the minimum requirements regarding capacity, systems and processes; that an entity or sector department must meet to be recognised as an infrastructure implementing agent. In addition, it will clarify the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, expanding the scope of services to ensure effective planning, procurement and delivery of infrastructure programmes. This process will assist with informed decision-making as we allocate programme and portfolio scope of works through the programme management plans to our implementing agents.
22. Significant effort was made in finalising the infrastructure plans, so that they align to the Limpopo Development Plan (LDP) which is the primary strategic instrument that aims to create a sustainable and viable economy by ensuring resources are invested towards infrastructure. In order to realise the targets set out in the LDP, the province plans to review and institutionalise the Limpopo Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (LIIMP) to foster integrated planning and promote inter-departmental collaboration. The Master Plan will provide a cohesive framework for infrastructure development, supporting sustainable growth and efficient resource utilisation across the province.
23. The Minister of Finance, Mr Godongwana, in his budget speech, pronounced the reconfiguration to the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) to run multiple bid windows instead of just one annual window as was the case. This announcement comes during the time when the province is proactive and has developed a framework for funding of the LDP 2025-30 priority programmes. This framework will assist in the resourcing of catalytic projects – together with sourcing of alternative funding mechanisms such as the public-private partnerships, development finance institution and budget facility for infrastructure. The province will also engage on more awareness sessions to encourage provincial departments, municipalities and entities to have the willingness to promote and participate in public-private partnerships projects.
24. Honourable Speaker, the province, during January this year, conducted a provincial infrastructure readiness workshop to prepare and finalise the plans for 2025/26 MTEF. All departmental infrastructure plans have been firmed up and utilised to inform the final allocation. Over the 2025 MTEF period, a total budget of R21.616 billion has been allocated for the provision of infrastructure within the province. This allocation will fund infrastructure projects of various categories in line with the pillars of the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) and the strategic objectives of the LDP; and the project details are captured in the project list of each department.
25. The provincial infrastructure budget for 2025/26 is R7.557 billion, allocated to various departments. The department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure receives R3.203 billion. While the Department of Education receives R1.692 billion and department of COGHSTA receives R1.109 billion. The Department of Health receives R907.242 million. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is allocated R267.064 million; The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is allocated R210.194 million and The Department of Transport receives R141.688 million; The Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism is allocated R31.000 million; whereas the Department of Social Development will be allocated R15.000 million to this effect. The province aims to ensure that resources are fully expended and that slow spending is averted through regular refresher workshops and improved procurement plans.
26. Given the current fiscal constraints facing the country, we acknowledge that the growing demand for infrastructure surpasses the resources at our disposal. We are therefore compelled to be innovative in our dealing with infrastructure to ensure that the resources allocated to our province are fully expended. To avert the slow spending, the province will continue to keep the momentum in line with the planning framework to ensure that departments are well-guided in the implementation of their plans. On a monthly basis, more attention will be given to the improvement of procurement plans, identify challenges affecting project delivery and the development of acceleration strategies.
Municipal Finance
27. Honourable Speaker, His Excellency, President Ramaphosa, in his State of the Nation Address, emphasised the urgent need to establish professionally managed, ringfenced utilities for water and electricity services. He further indicated that this is to ensure adequate investment and maintenance, as many municipalities have failed to reinvest the revenue they generate into the upkeep of critical infrastructure.
28. Municipalities cannot achieve financial sustainability without improving revenue. Provincial Treasury is cognisant of the economic difficulties that ordinary residents of our province are facing. It is therefore imperative that municipalities implement their policies on free basic services and enforce the necessary credit control policies to protect the current revenue streams. Collaboration with other stakeholders to venture into other economies are critical. Limpopo Provincial Treasury will continue to provide the necessary guidance on revenue management to ensure revenue protection, reduce the leakages and spending on non-priority items.
Revenue Management
29. Honourable Speaker, we are proud to present the budget of hope to the people of Limpopo. Our province has seen a significant increase in the Provincial Equitable Share, with a 5.5 per cent average growth over the 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework period. However, we are aware of the pressing socio-economic needs and the growing population in our province. To address some of these challenges, we are prioritising own revenue collection under the leadership of the Provincial Treasury.
30. Our Revenue Enhancement Strategy is beginning to bear fruit as witnessed in the collection of R2.2 billion at the end of February 2025, that is, 97.3 per cent of our revised target of R2.3 billion. Our target has increased significantly, from R1.851 billion in 2024/25 to R2.009 billion in 2025/26; R2.104 billion and R2.203 billion in 2026/27 and 2027/28, respectively. This represents an average increase of 6.0 per cent over the 2025 MTEF period. We continue to incentivise provincial departments and public entities that exceed their revenue set targets, ensuring that the revenue target set is realistic and achievable. This strategy involves investing in provincial government holiday resorts infrastructure, implementing the Provincial Liquor License Act and extending the K53 learner's and driver’s license function to Thohoyandou and Seshego.
31. Our provincial own revenue collection is primarily allocated to the Department of Health and Department of Education, recognising the importance of social services as an enabler for socio-economic development. A healthy, skilled and educated community brings good economic returns to the province and the country.
Spending reviews
32. Honourable Speaker, Minister Enoch Godongwana's 2025 budget speech announced spending reviews to fund essential services. National departments, provinces and the Presidency have been tasked to conduct spending reviews to identify areas for reprioritisation and efficiency. Provinces will thus focus on identifying efficiencies and reducing wastage. The Limpopo Province welcomes the announcement and will join hands in the spending reviews projects.
Procurement
33. Limpopo Procurement Strategy 2030 was approved by EXCO in March 2018 to ensure the achievement of the strategic objectives of ensuring maximum retention of Provincial fiscal spending in the province, creating an environment for local economic development aligned to the Limpopo Development Plan and empowering designated groups through public procurement. It was further reviewed and approved by EXCO in November 2023, in terms of which Accounting Officers/ Authorities are required to report on monthly basis to Treasury on their discretionary budget expenditures aligned to the achievement of the Strategy targets.
34. However honourable speaker, out of the total expenditure of R10.7 billion, the province has spent R6.4 billion on black owned businesses which translates to 60% of the 65% Limpopo Procurement Strategy target. The province has further spent R2.19 billion on women-owned businesses which represents 20.4% of the 25% as well as R6.4 billion on SMMEs which indicate that the province has achieved 60% of the 70% LPS target. This is a concerning matter, more so that Statistics South Africa has shown that Limpopo is a youthful province. It is therefore important that the province improves its spending directed at procurement from youth-owned enterprises to change the economic situation and reduce unemployment. As things stand, we are not doing enough in empowering the youth and people with disabilities. This is not just a phenomenon, but a reality that we need to change and the best time to do that is now.
35. Honourable Speaker, it would be a big achievement for businesses in Limpopo to benefit from the procurement within province, but statistics from April to December 2024 show that only 34 per cent of the reported expenditure is for the Limpopo-owned businesses.
36. We therefore make this call, Honourable Speaker, let us change our approach and ensure that the funds appropriated in this August House are in as far as possible, spent within our province to stimulate the local economy. This principle is articulated in the Limpopo Procurement Strategy and it is our collective responsibility to translate these strategic commitments into tangible actions. Our blueprints must not remain mere documents but serve as catalysts for economic growth, job creation and sustainable development in our province.
Establishment of Disaster Management Contingency Reserved Fund
37. As alluded to previously during the presentation of the Amended Adjustment Budget Appropriation Bill recently, global warming due to climate change is no longer a distant threat but our lived reality. Limpopo has also experienced the effects of this climate change and this calls for stringent interventions from the province so that it can be ready to respond to disasters as they occur.
38. Following the December 2024 and January 2025 floods that damaged our provincial social and economic infrastructure, the Premier of the Province in her State of the Province Address instructed that the Provincial Treasury should consider establishing a Provincial Disaster Management Contingency Reserve Fund. To this effect, we are happy to report that such a fund will be established within the framework of the National Disaster Management Act which encourages budgeting for disaster recovery and rehabilitation through threshold funding. Section 56(3) of this Act allows the Minister to prescribe a percentage of the budget of a provincial or municipal state organ as a threshold for accessing national funding for disaster response efforts.
39. The National Disaster Management Framework set the proposed threshold percentages for provincial and local government budgets which is reviewed every four years, which is currently set at 1.2 per cent of the provincial budget and must be viewed within the context of the magnitude and extent of a disaster. It must be noted that to ensure the sustainability of the Disaster Management Contingency Reserve Fund, any amount withdrawn to address the effects of climate change will be replenished in the following financial year. This will be done by allocating funds from the Provincial Equitable Share to the Disaster Contingency Reserve Management Fund before allocating budget to individual votes. This approach guarantees that the fund consistently maintains a threshold of 1.2 per cent of the provincial budget, ensuring readiness for future emergencies.
Provincial Receipts
40. National transfers to the province comprise Equitable Shares and Conditional Grants and remain the primary revenue sources for provincial payments over the 2025 MTEF period. These two sources of funding contribute 98.0 per cent of the total receipts of the province, with provincial own revenue contributing only 2.0 per cent.
41. The 2025/26 transfer receipts from National Government increase by R4.960 billion from R81.404 billion in 2024/25 to R86.364 billion in 2025/26. The National Transfers further increase to R89.335 billion in 2026/27 and R93.876 billion in 2027/28. Overall provincial receipts (including own revenue) increase by R5.119 billion or 6.1 per cent from R83.255 billion in 2024/25 to R88.373 billion in 2025/26. The total provincial receipts are further expected to increase by 3.5 per cent in 2026/27 and 5.1 per cent in 2027/28 to R91.439 billion and R96.079 billion, respectively.
42. Over the 2025 MTEF period, the Provincial Equitable Share increases from R69.625 billion in 2024/25, to R74.064 billion in 2025/26; R77.792 billion in 2026/27; and R81.807 billion in 2027/28 financial year. In monetary terms, this translates to a year-on-year increase of R1.139 billion; R1.310 billion; and R1.890 billion. Over the 2025 MTEF, the increase amounts to R4.340 billion and this was used to protect the social services sector.
43. Honourable Speaker, the changes in the Equitable Shares allocation is as a result of number of upward and downward adjustments implemented by the national government over the 2025 MTEF. The upward adjustments over the next three years include R3.965 billion for new data updates; R1.707 billion additional funding for wage agreements; and R158.086 million for Presidential Youth Employment Initiative funding directed to the Department of Education.
44. Conversely, the downward adjustments over the next three years include a total amount of (R4.887 billion) emanating from the effect of fiscal consolidations, mainly (R2.398 billion) in 2025/26 and (R2.489 billion) in 2026/27. However, the National Treasury's decision to phase out fiscal consolidation from 2027/28 is a positive move that may boost economic growth and enable the facilitation for creation of jobs.
45. Overall, the provincial payments estimate amount to R274.847 billion over the 2025 MTEF period, of which R88.936 billion is allocated in 2025/26 and this increase to R94.771 billion in 2027/28. The 2025 MTEF allocation includes a total of R35.913 billion conditional grants allocation, with R12.300 billion allocated in 2025/26, decreasing slightly to R12.070 billion in 2027/28.
46. Honourable Speaker, we must indicate that the slight decrease in conditional grants allocation is not a cause for concern as this resulted from conditional grants reviews as announced by the Minister of Finance during his Budget Speech on 12 March 2025 aimed at reducing duplication and improving the effectiveness of programmes.
47. Honourable Speaker, as I am about to outline the allocation per vote, let me begin by indicating that the budget allocation to departments followed a robust assessment of the alignment of the prioritised projects with the Medium-Term Development Plan. To ensure that the allocation for catalytic projects is used for their intended purpose and the desired results are achieved, Provincial Treasury earmarked the allocation for such projects and will monitor implementation on a quarterly basis.
I therefore present the following appropriations per vote:
Vote 1: Office of the Premier
48. The Office of the Premier is allocated R1.724 billion over the next three years of which R554.810 million is made available for the 2025/26 financial year. The 2025/26 allocation is inclusive of R109.568 million earmarked funding for ICT related projects in the province.
Vote 2: Provincial Legislature
49. The Provincial Legislature is allocated a total budget of R2.120 billion over the next three years of which R671.660 million is made available for the 2025/26 financial year. This allocation is mainly for the operational expenditure of the Provincial Legislature essentially to expand the oversight capacity of the institution.
Vote 3: Education
50. The highest share of the provincial budget is allocated to Department of Education which receives R133.808 billion over the next three years in line with the provincial government’s commitment to continue providing quality education in the province and to implement programmes vital for improving learners’ performance across all grades. Of the total MTEF allocation, R110.588 billion or 82 per cent is directed towards funding Public Ordinary School Education to cater for 1.648 million learners in No Fee Public Ordinary Schools in line with the National Norms and Standards for School Funding.
51. The 2025 MTEF budget includes R902.101 million additional funding for wage agreement critical to sustain the salaries of teachers in the province who provide quality education to our learners.
52. In the next financial year, a total of R42.529 billion is made available for the Education sector and this includes R158.086 million for Presidential Youth Employment Initiative for the teacher assistants’ programme; R100.000 million for E-Education, R100.000 million for Storm Damaged Schools project; R70.000 million for Improvement of Matric Results Project; and R41.880 million for procurement of school furniture and R3.847 billion in conditional grant funding for school feeding scheme, school infrastructure and Early Childhood Development amongst others.
Vote 4: Agriculture and Rural Development
53. Agriculture and Rural Development is allocated R5.927 billion over the next three financial years, of which R1.910 billion is made available for 2025/26 financial year. The 2025/26 allocation includes R32.792 million for the Revitalisation of Agriculture and Agro-Processing Value Chain (RAAVC) Projects and R10.000 million for the Lebowakgomo Broiler Houses. The Department is also allocated conditional grants amounting to R346.013 million in 2025/26 which will grow to R370.734 million in 2027/28.
Vote 5: Provincial Treasury
54. Over the next three years, the Provincial Treasury is allocated a total budget R1.640 billion, of which R512.897 million is made available for the 2025/26 financial year. Included in the 2025/26 financial year is R5.962 million for Infrastructure Capacity Building Programmes and R12.332 million for Municipal Intervention Capacity Building Programmes.
Vote 6: Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
55. In response to the call made by the Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba when she said and “our resolve is driven by the need to see Limpopo’s economy growing and creating jobs”, the Department of Economic Development Environment and Tourism is allocated a budget of R5.181 billion over the next three financial years, of which R2.287 billion is made available for the 2025/26 financial year. Included in the 2025/26 allocation is R1.144 billion set aside for transfers to Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), R102.064 million for Limpopo Tourism Agency and R72.143 million Limpopo Gambling Board. The transfer to LEDA is inclusive of R730.788 million for the implementation of Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone and Fetakgomo Tubaste Industrial Hub catalytic projects and other economic development enablers. This budget also allocates a total of R206.667 million to Great North Transport in 2025/26 financial year for the acquisition of buses to provide much-needed relief to the existing ageing fleet, enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience.
56. The Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism’s 2025/26 allocation also includes R68.500 million for waste management and air quality control; and for the completion, refurbishment, maintenance, operationalisation and equipping of various state resorts. The department is also allocated R4.500 million for National Tourism Career Expo.
Vote 7: Health
57. The health function is allocated R82.500 billion over the next three financial years to support the equitable provision of public health services, including free primary healthcare. About R54.974 billion or 70 per cent of the health budget is directed to funding District Health Services particularly district hospitals, primary healthcare facilities such as clinics, community health centres and HIV/AIDS programmes, which also provide outreach services. Furthermore, the 2025 MTEF budget includes R512.996 million additional allocation for the wage agreement.
58. In 2025/26 financial year, R26.074 billion is made available and this allocation will ensure that the department continues sustaining the salaries of medical health professionals and the procurement of medicine for distributions to public hospitals and clinics across the province. Included in the 2025/26 budget is R54.654 million for the procurement of additional ambulances to cover areas that are in dire need of these ambulances and R4.202 billion conditional grant funding for District Health Care, HIV/AIDS, Health Profession Training, Health Tertiary Services, National Health Insurance and health infrastructure.
Vote 8: Transport and Community Safety
59. The budget for Department of Transport and Community Safety is R9.314 billion over the next three financial years, of which R3.025 billion is made available for the 2025/26 financial year.
60. Included in the 2025/26 allocation is R281.188 million for the implementation of provincial priorities which include R56.000 million for the Electronic Vehicle Monitoring System, R3.500 million for moving violation recorder and R221.688 million for various infrastructure projects.
61. The 2025/26 allocation also includes R152.898 million set aside for transfer to Gateway Airport Authority Limited (GAAL), of which R97.898 million will be used for the implementation of GAAL’s Service Delivery Improvement Plan Projects and R55.000 million for operational costs. The 2025/26 allocation also includes conditional grant funding of R485.037 million, mainly for Public Transport Operations.
Vote 9: Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure
62. The allocation for the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure is R15.274 billion in the next three financial years. In 2025/26 an allocation of R5.627 billion is made available, which includes conditional grant funding of R2.068 billion for provincial roads maintenance.
63. In the 2025/26 financial year, a total of R577.675 million is earmarked for the implementation of provincial priorities and this includes R150.000 million for the settlement of municipal rates and taxes, R100.000 million for procurement Road Fleet and Equipment, R100.000 million for the procurement of office building and R89.000 million for the construction of 15 additional parliamentary houses.
64. The department’s 2025/26 financial year allocation also includes R958.617 million set aside for transfer to Road Agency Limpopo (RAL) to improve the provincial roads network. The allocation to RAL includes allocation for the implementation of roads infrastructure and maintenance projects which have been allocated R420.000 million and R280.869 million, respectively. A further R125.000 million is allocated to RAL for ST Engenas Zion Christian Church (ZCC) R71 Interchange project.
Vote 10: Sport, Arts and Culture
65. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture receives a total budget of R2.381 billion for the next three financial years, of which R877.492 million is allocated for the 2025/26 financial year. The 2025/26 allocation is inclusive of R216.000 for the construction of the Provincial Theatre and R10.000 million for the Provincial Archives maintenance and upgrading. Included in the allocation to the department is R233.855 million conditional grant funding for Mass Participation and Sport Development and Community Library services.
Vote 11: Co-Operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs
66. The Department of Co-Operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs receives a total budget of R7.751 billion for the next three financial years. Of this, R2.573 billion is allocated in the 2025/26 financial year and this allocation includes R25.000 million for Construction of Traditional Council Offices and R5.000 million for furniture for Traditional Council Offices and conditional grant funding of R925.163 million for Human Settlements Development and R181.106 million for Informal Settlement Upgrading.
Vote 12: Social Development
67. The Department of Social Development is allocated R7.226 billion for the next three financial years for the delivery of welfare services, development initiatives, empowerment programmes, gender equality initiatives and advocacy for children, women, youth, the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
68. In 2025/26 financial year, the department receives R2.295 billion and this includes R13.903 million to fight gender-based violence and femicide, R16.653 million for social workers and R17.872 million for HIV prevention programmes.
69. Now that we have received our fair share of the cow, ensuring that every part has been allocated for the sustenance of our province, let us commit to utilising this budget for the intended purpose, with responsibility and accountability.
70. As we conclude Honourable Speaker, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the Honourable Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, for her steadfast leadership, vision and guidance. Premier, your commitment to the people of Limpopo and your dedication to ensuring that government remains responsive to their needs continues to inspire and has shaped our approach to fiscal management and economic transformation.
71. We would also like to thank the member ExCo Budget Committee for your continued analysis of our provincial financial performance and guidance.
72. To Honourable Maseka Solomon Pheedi, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Provincial Treasury and all committee members, as well as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) your continued oversight and support have been instrumental in our progress, ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
73. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to all my predecessors for their dedication and contributions in laying a strong foundation for the Limpopo Provincial Treasury.
74. And lastly, team Limpopo Provincial Treasury, led by the HOD, Mr Gavin Pratt, your hard work and commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed.
Ndo livhuwa, ke a leboga, na khensa
