Ms Ms Kenetswe Mosenogi, North West MEC for Finance, today stated in her budget speech that the 2025/2026 budget’s objective is to lay a firm foundation for a thriving economy in the province.
As it stands, though, the budget priorities reflect the exact opposite.
Out of a budget of R55 billion, for example, R35 billion (or 64%) is spent on salaries alone – in a province that is certainly not known for its excellent service delivery.
On the contrary, key departments, such as Economic Development, Environmental Conservation and Tourism, are characterised by poor service delivery and the decay of its infrastructure.
From the Department of Public Works’ allocation of R4,2 billion, a mere R288 million is budgeted for the repair and maintenance of rural roads.
In a mostly rural province where the agricultural sector is already severely impacted by the decay of roads, this allocation falls far short. The negative impact of this is equally severe on the local economies of smaller towns.
Another allocation that is completely out of touch with reality is the R12 million earmarked for interventions at disintegrating municipalities.
As a matter of fact, most municipalities in the North West are already in an advanced state of decay and can only be turned around through comprehensive interventions.
It is crucial to effectively utilise all available resources, financial and otherwise, under the North West provincial government’s control in the interest of all residents and financial sectors.
Productive and ethical governance has to be restored in all spheres in the North West right away.
Job creation and a thriving economy in the North West can only be achieved once the ANC government realises that outdated, ideologically driven budget priorities are simply exacerbating economic decline.
