The two departments respectively received R14.1 billion and R18 billion to cover their high salary bill and to deliver services. Rosho explained that the two will, amongst other responsibilities, have to strengthen their fight against the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Education’s budget will, amongst others, make provision for the school feeding programme, for the Sanitary Dignity Project, as well as for infrastructure development. Rosho highlighted that the budget allocated towards the Health Department will, on the other hand, fund key priorities such as the Emergency Medical Services, Health Laboratory Services, as well as medical supplies.

The two departments are considered the biggest departments countrywide, receiving the bulk of the budget every year.

Highlighting the importance of the budget for the Health Department, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Rosho said the department will continue to provide progress reports on the vaccination programme to communities.

She further warned against high accruals stating that the department must “manage down accruals to an acceptable level of not more than R400 million at the end of the 2021/22 financial year”.

OFM News