Note to Editors: Please note Tim Brauteseth, MPL sound bite in English
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) welcomes the tabling of the 2025/26 Adjustments Budget by Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, in the provincial legislature during a sitting held yesterday. While we acknowledge the severe fiscal constraints facing our province, this budget demonstrates a commitment to responsible financial management and prioritisation of critical services.
KZN continues to grapple with historic budget cuts, high unemployment, and persistent inequality. Demands on the provincial fiscus far outweigh available resources and the implementation of the Provincial Financial Recovery Plan (PFRP) underscore the seriousness of our financial situation. The DA commends MEC Rodgers and his team for ensuring that our province remains cash positive despite these pressures.
The Adjustments Budget does, however, spell good news for our province with National Treasury’s allocation of R3.6 billion, bringing significant relief to Education and Health.
KZN’s Department of Health (DoH) receives R1.4billion to retain community service doctors and interns and reduce accruals. Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DoE) benefits from R640.9million to ease personnel and operational pressures. More good news is the additional allocations for disaster recovery, including R984.8million for flood and storm damaged infrastructure which will help restore essential services and rebuild affected communities.
The DA also welcomes increased funding for Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes – which will expand access to early learning for thousands of children – along with the roll-over of almost R190million in committed conditional grants, ensuring continuity in key projects.
KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) has worked tirelessly to stabilise our province’s finances and direct resources to where they are most needed. Credit must be given to MEC Rodgers as a key role player in steering this process with transparency and accountability. His leadership in engaging National Treasury and implementing the PFRP has been instrumental in securing these allocations and maintaining fiscal discipline.
While challenges remain, this Adjustments Budget reflects cautious optimism and a clear focus on health, education, and disaster recovery – areas that will drive long-term growth and improve lives. The DA, as a responsible partner within KZN’s GPU, will continue to monitor implementation to ensure that every rand delivers value for the people of our province.