By Celani Sikhakhane
KwaZulu-Natal’s annual budget for 2024/25 received a R8-billion increase, Finance MEC Peggy Nkonyeni announced on Thursday.
The news overlaps with a rise in the province’s employment rate, driven by the construction sector.
The R150-billion budget marks a rise from the R142-billion allocated last year.
Nkonyeni acknowledged KZN’s vulnerability given the country’s economic struggles. She highlighted the negative impact of frequent and devastating floods, caused by climate change, on the provincial economy.
“Despite these challenges,” Nkonyeni said, “provincial economic growth has managed a marginal increase of 0.7%.
“Construction activity on the N3 and N2 highways has created numerous job opportunities for our people.”
Below are the budget allocations for various departments:
* Office of the Premier (including the Zulu King’s budget): R784-million
* Provincial Legislature: R782-million
* Agriculture and Rural Development: R2.6-billion
* Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs: R3.4-billion
* Education: R62-billion
* Provincial Treasury: R600-million
* Health: R53-billion
* Human Settlements: R3.5-billion
* Community Safety and Liaison: R243-million
* Sports, Arts and Culture: R1.5-billion
* Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: R1.8-billion
* Transport: R13-billion
* Social Development: R3.4-billion
* Public Works: R1.7-billion
Pictured above: The KZN cabinet praised Finance MEC Peggy Nkonyeni for her budget.
Image source: Supplied
