Finance, economic development, and tourism MEC Ketso Makume delivered the provincial budget speech on Tuesday (17/3) in the Bloemfontein city hall. The budget outlined how provincial resources will be allocated to drive economic growth and support the priorities of the 7th administration.

Education remains the single largest recipient, with more than R20bn allocated for the 2026/27 financial year. This figure is projected to grow to R21bn in 2027/28 and R21.7bn in 2028/29, bringing total spending to R62.8bn over the medium-term expenditure framework.

“The allocation is designed to address critical pressures in the system while expanding key programmes,” said Makume. “These resources will support early childhood development, the Grade R programme, learner transport, and the provision of learning and teaching support materials.

“The department will also invest in school infrastructure maintenance and hostel support, while continuing to fund nutrition programmes to ensure learners can learn in conducive conditions.”

These investments are not only about improving academic outcomes, but also about creating equal opportunities for learners across the province, he added.

Opposition parties weren’t impressed. “The Free State is getting poorer and poorer every year,” said Free State finance committee member MPL Dulandi Leech.

“In total, R47.9bn has been budgeted for the province. That sounds like a lot of money, but if you compare it to inflation, it isn’t enough to address all the issues. “We need to decrease our expenditure, and we need to increase our own revenue by focusing on service delivery issues such as roads within the province.”

Healthcare is the second-largest area of expenditure, with R15bn allocated for 2026/27, increasing to R15.6bn and R16.1bn in the following years. Total spending on health is expected to reach R46.9bn over the MTEF period.

Key focus areas include improving the availability of medicine and medical supplies, strengthening primary healthcare services, and maintaining healthcare infrastructure.

Funding has also been set aside for laboratory services, blood supply, and critical partnerships such as those with the National Health Laboratory Service.

“The budget further makes provision for the employment of healthcare professionals, including addressing the carry-through costs of previously appointed unemployed doctors,” said the MEC.

“Additional funding will go towards essential hospital needs such as beds, linen, and the settlement of outstanding accruals.”

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm