The DA welcomes the adoption of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) 2025/26 budget – a landmark financial plan reflecting a decisive shift towards responsible governance, fiscal discipline and people-centred service delivery.
The budget, tabled by Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, marks the first full budget under the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) and demonstrates a clear commitment to rebuilding KZN’s financial health. It also addresses the province’s pressing economic challenges while laying the foundation for sustainable growth and improved public service delivery.
Among the most notable achievements is the successful renegotiation of KZN’s equitable share allocation from National Treasury. For years, our province has been short-changed by a complex and outdated formula. MEC Rodgers’ efforts have resulted in a significant funding increase, ensuring that KZN now receives its fair share of national resources. This is a victory for every resident reliant on government services.
Equally important is the strategic allocation of funds across provincial departments and entities. Despite financial constraints, the budget avoids deep cuts and instead provides targeted relief to departments that have long struggled under budgetary pressure. This includes key social sector departments such as Health, Education and Social Development, which are now better equipped to serve KZN’s people.
The budget also tackles the long-standing issue of Compensation of Employees (CoE). With national wage agreements often exceeding provincial estimates, departments have faced mounting deficits. MEC Rodgers has secured assurances that this will no longer be the case, and this budget reflects a commitment to closing wage gaps in critical service areas.
The DA is particularly encouraged by provincial Treasury’s introduction of financial dashboards and the pending approval of an e-procurement system. These tools will enhance transparency, improve oversight, and curb wasteful and irregular expenditure. As KZN SCOPA Chairperson, I welcome these innovations as essential steps toward clean, ethical governance.
Today’s budget is not just about numbers – it is about KZN’s people. It is about ensuring that every rand spent delivers value to them. It is about protecting frontline services, supporting vulnerable communities and restoring public trust in government.
The budget’s success depends not only on its adoption but on its implementation and the DA calls on all provincial government departments and entities to spend wisely, transparently and ethically. This means no more “nice-to-haves”, in order to protect the “must-haves.” Every cent must be accounted for, and every expenditure must serve the public good.
The DA commends MEC Rodgers and his team for their leadership and vision. As a solid member of KZN’s GPU, we remain committed to working constructively to ensure that the budget delivers real change for the people of our province.