Gauteng Finance MEC Re-Tables 2025 Budget Following National Changes
by: Kelebogile Matlou
In a surprising move that has turned heads across South Africa, Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile withdrew and re-tabled the province’s 2025/2026 budget, just weeks after its original submission. The last-minute revision came in response to sweeping national fiscal adjustments triggered by global economic instability.
Maile made the announcement during a special sitting of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, stating that the budget needed to be brought in line with the revised national financial framework introduced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
“These developments precipitated unprecedented uncertainty on the African continent, where we are having to rethink development aid and re-engineer our approach to revenue generation and efficient utilisation of existing resources,” said Maile.
Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile
image: Sharon Seretlo/Gallo images (news24)
The revised provincial budget was tabled in accordance with Sections 26 and 27 of the Public Finance Management Act, which require a provincial budget to be presented within two weeks of the national budget. Maile emphasized that the updated figures reflect both the realities of the shifting global economy and Gauteng’s commitment to fiscal discipline and developmental priorities.
The updated budget includes significant allocations from the national government under what is known as the equitable share. The projected allocations are:
- R133.9 billion for the 2025/26 financial year
- R159.9 billion for 2026/27
- R144.2 billion for the years following
These figures signal moderate growth and prioritized funding for core sectors such as housing, infrastructure, health, and education in line with Gauteng’s vision for inclusive development.
The global economic climate marked by inflation shocks, reduced aid, and shifting donor priorities has forced many governments, including South Africa’s, to reassess their budgets. Gauteng’s decision to align its financial plan with national revisions is seen as a proactive step to safeguard economic stability and ensure efficient service delivery.
“We remain committed to responsible budgeting and economic transformation. Our revised budget reflects not just compliance but a realignment with the fiscal realities of the moment,” Maile said.
Despite the turbulence, the Gauteng provincial government says it will stay the course on service delivery while adjusting to external financial pressures. As the economic outlook remains fluid, further adjustments at both national and provincial levels cannot be ruled out.
For a detailed overview of the re-tabling process and the revised budget allocations, you can watch the official presentation by MEC Lebogang Maile: https://youtu.be/F8Q1fvMhRYE
