On Tuesday, MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Bonakele Majuba, delivered his Adjustment Budget Speech and introduced the Mpumalanga Appropriation Bill 2024 during a sitting of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, but his budget failed to address important issues, such as jobs, small business support, and economic growth.
With GDP growth forecast at below 1.1% this year, Mpumalanga youth unemployment rate of 46.4%, is one of the highest in the country. The province has also suffered a net loss of 8,000 jobs this year.
Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are the backbone of a developing economy – yet MEC Majuba’s adjustment budget ignored them.
Similarly, agriculture, a key economic growth sector, was largely overlooked, with commercial farmers decreasing in number every year, funds should have been allocated to ensure sustainability of our emerging farmer as well as Community Property Associations.
To the DA’s disappointment, Majuba allocated R107.6 million for operationalisation of the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market. This entity is another Mpumalanga project that is used as a cash cow for ANC aligned Comrades.
MEC Majuba also failed to allocate more money to the Health Department for healthcare professionals, doctors, specialists, and nurses to be employed in public hospitals and clinics across Mpumalanga. The MEC, instead allocated R86.3 million towards the completion of the new Middelburg Hospital. While the DA welcomes this funding, we must ask: what about the completion of the long-overdue Mmamethlake Hospital?
The DA however welcomes the R20 million that was added to the baseline for the operational costs of taking over licensing function from municipalities to the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison. We also welcome the R40 million which has been set aside towards Disaster Relief following the heavy storms that hit various parts of the province and left a trail of destruction to homes and community facilities. The DA is however disappointed that the MEC did not allocate funds for farmers affected by the recent fires, even after MEC Nompumelelo Hlophe of Agriculture stated that a provincial disaster would be implemented.
The DA also welcomes that R60 million has been set aside for the completion of the Mkhondo Boarding School. However, it is concerning to note that the Mkhondo Boarding School and the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market were planned to be completed by the end of the year.
While there are some commendable allocations, this adjustment budget fails to address several critical needs, including jobs and healthcare, leaving many communities wanting.
The DA will be closely monitoring if money allocated is spent as allocated, with transparency and accountability.