Mahikeng, 19 March 2025 – The North West Provincial Government, under the leadership of MEC Kenetswe Mosenogi, tabled the 2025/26 Provincial Budget Speech, outlining a comprehensive plan to address the socio-economic challenges facing the province. The budget, totaling R55.740 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, is designed to drive inclusive growth, create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve service delivery across the province
Key Highlights of the 2025/26 Budget includes:
Economic Growth and Job Creation:
The budget prioritizes economic revitalization, with a focus on reducing the province’s high unemployment rate, which currently stands at 41.3%. Through partnerships with the Department
of Labour, the province aims to create over 24,000 job opportunities for young people. Additionally, the budget allocates R81.492 million to the Presidential Youth Employment
Initiative, which will provide skills development and entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth.
Infrastructure Development:
A significant allocation of R6.630 billion has been set aside for infrastructure projects inthe2025/26 financial year. These projects are expected to create 5,500 temporary job opportunities and improve the province’s infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Social Development and Poverty Reduction:
The social cluster departments, including Health, Education, and Social Development, have been allocated R44.435 billion to address poverty and the high cost of living. Key initiatives include the construction of 3,555 housing units, the provision of nutritious meals to751,847learners through the National School Nutrition Programme, and the rollout of HIV/AIDS programmes despite the withdrawal of PEPFAR funding.
Improved Audit Outcomes:
The province has made significant progress in improving municipal audit outcomes, with the number of municipalities receiving qualified audit opinions increasing from nine to thirteeninthe2023/24 financial year. The Provincial Treasury remains committed to supporting municipalities in achieving clean audits and addressing unauthorized, irregular, and wasteful expenditure.
Support for Small Businesses and Agriculture:
The budget allocates R1.013 billion to the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism to support small businesses and promote tourism, which is a key driver of job creation. Additionally, R1.219 billion has been allocated to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to support black subsistence farmers and improve food security
Strengthening Governance and Accountability:
The Provincial Treasury will intensify efforts to ensure transparent and accountable procurement processes. All major bids will be subjected to vetting in collaboration with the State Security Agency, and information on tenders awarded will be published online to promote transparency. MEC Mosenogi emphasized the importance of unity and collective effort in addressing the challenges facing the province. She stated, “This budget is not just about numbers; it is about the lived realities of our people. It is about making the right choices to lay the foundation for a thriving economy, a vibrant democracy, and a province where every individual can prosper.” She further called on all stakeholders, including the private sector, to partner with the government in driving development and creating opportunities for the people of the North West.
For more information or clarity please contact Ms Kesalopa Gill on 018 3883584 or email:kgill@nwpg.gov.za. OR Ms Lesedi Makhubela on 062 103 2798 or email connielesedi@gmail.com
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Issued by North West Provincial Treasury