The tabling comes after the recent budget speech by finance minister Enoch Godongwana. MEC Ketso Makume is expected to outline how the province plans to implement cost-cutting measures and reallocate funds to high-priority projects.

The budget will also address the rollover of unspent funds from the previous financial year. In addition, the province is expected to clarify how it will continue responding to the economic and social challenges caused by Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

Free State Treasury head of communication Tshidiso Mokokoane said the budget forms part of efforts to advance the priorities of the seventh administration.

Clean audit

“MEC Makume will outline the provincial government’s revenue and expenditure plans and allocate scarce financial resources to foster economic growth for the upcoming financial year. Through his stewardship, commitment, and dedication, both departments provincial treasury and Destea, serving under his ministry, obtained clean audit outcomes endorsed by the auditor-general of South Africa. 

“A clean audit translates that the reported performance is supported by valid, reliable, and complete performance evidence.”

Last month, Makume tabled a second adjustment of about R60 million to the province’s Human Settlements Development Subsidy for the 2025/26 financial year. The adjustment followed correspondence from the National Treasury reallocating R150 million previously assigned to other provinces, with the Free State receiving R60 million.

In an earlier interview with OFM News, Makume said the provincial government plans to allocate R3.49 million to the education department for the training and development of educators. 

Critical vacant positions

Priority will be given to strengthening skills in mathematics, science, and accounting, with progress monitored across all grade levels up to Grade 12.

Additional challenges expected to feature in Makume’s budget speech include shortages in critical vacant positions within departments such as health, education, and sport, which continue to affect implementation capacity.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg