Limpopo Treasury Presents Provincial Budget Adjustment Bill
Limpopo Proviancial Treasury MEC Kgabo Mahoai tabled the province’s 2024/25 Provincial Adjustment Appropriation Bill or mini budget at the provincial legislature in Lebowakgomo on Thursday.
The provincial budget has been adjusted upwards by R835.835 million, bringing the total to R83.946 billion.
The province has seen a 22.2% rise in own revenue, totaling R2.261 billion, thanks to improved revenue collection and the return of unspent funds.
Mahoai stressed the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline to ensure that all budget allocations are utilized effectively for the benefit of Limpopo’s residents.
He reaffirmed the provincial government’s alignment with the national vision championed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which prioritizes job creation and poverty alleviation while building a capable state.
In addressing the economic context, Mahoai acknowledged the challenging global economic climate, citing projections from the International Monetary Fund that indicate a slight decline in global growth rates.
A major focus of the budget adjustments is on procurement reforms aimed at promoting fairness and inclusivity.
Limpopo Treasury MEC Kgabo Mahoai has announced an adjustment of the province’s Education department from R40.29 billion to R40.60 billion.
Mahoai said that over R6.88 billion has been allocated to empower black-owned, women-owned, and youth-owned businesses, supporting efforts to rectify historical disadvantages and foster economic participation.
The budget also highlights a significant increase in infrastructure investment, rising from R7.8 billion to R8.3 billion, marking a 6.2% increase.
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This funding is directed primarily to the Departments of Cooperative Governance and Public Works, targeting essential infrastructure projects that are crucial for economic development.
This adjustment is notable as it comes without additional equitable share funding from the National Treasury.
Specific departmental budget adjustments include a R30.71 million increase for Education, focusing on scholar transport and e-learning, and a R117.526 million increase for Health to enhance operational capabilities and medical supplies.
Public Works will receive an additional R402.984 million for road and infrastructure projects, while Agriculture will see an increase of R63.489 million for security services and disaster preparedness.
The department of Sport, Arts, and Culture will face a budget cut of R73.095 million, reducing its allocation from R827.099 million to R754.004 million.
This reduction is primarily due to a R100 million surrender of earmarked funds for the construction of the Provincial Theatre, which will be reallocated in the 2025/26 financial year.