What the Mpumalanga Budget Prioritise

Thursday, 12 March 2015

Mbombela: Mpumalanga MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Sikhumbuzo Kholwane will on Tuesday, the 17h March 2015, outline the Provincial expenditure plan for 2015/2016 financial year when he table the Main Appropriation Bill, at Provincial Legislature Chamber.

The tabling of the budget follows Premier David Mabuza’s State of the Provincial Address (SOPA), which outlined the focus areas of the Provincial Government for the next financial year.

The key government priorities for the period ahead include improving the Education, Healthcare, strategic infrastructure delivery, amongst others.

It is widely expected that the social services sector will receive the largest share of the equitable share, in line with the trends emanating from the recent budget speeches in the Province.

Earlier this month, MEC Kholwane hosted grade 12 learners from eMalahleni and surroundings areas and listened to their wishes and expectations for the 2015 provincial budget.

MEC applauded the learners for their diverse and important inputs and made a commitment that he will convey their message to Budget and Finance Committee.

“We welcome all your inputs, value them and promise that we will strive to ensure that these inputs receive all the attention they deserve,” said the MEC.

The inputs for budget are still opened. MEC Kholwane is using the social media to invite more suggestions from all the people to assist in packaging the budget that respond to the needs of the people.

As the minister pointed out in his Budget speech, the economic and fiscal environment is very tight; it will be interesting to find out how MEC Kholwane use the already stretched - actually a reduced allocation - to respond to increasing demands on the little financial resources.

Other key focus areas as espoused in the 2015 State of the Province Address which may get mention in the Budget speech include improvement of roads, provision of water and sanitation, empowerment of small business amongst others.

For more information, contact:

Letshela Jonas on 013 766 4243 / 079 500 0154
Issued by Communications