THE Eastern Cape provincial government says Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has made a bold move towards transforming the province with the budget and policy statement tabled for the 2024/2025 financial year.
“This blueprint is designed to realise the dreams and aspirations of the province’s citizens, guided by the national and provincial development plans aiming for 2030.”
Despite a reduction from the previous year to R1.069 billion, it said the Premier emphasised a commitment to maximising impact through innovation and prudence.
Key focus areas include:
Mobilising resources
- The budget highlights the importance of mobilising resources from the public and corporate sectors, as well as international partners. The focus is on protecting existing investments, attracting new ones, and reducing red tape to create a more business-friendly environment.
Catalytic infrastructure projects
- A significant portion of the budget will prioritise the monitoring and evaluation of 15 catalytic infrastructure projects designed to rejuvenate the economy. Among these, the Umzimvubu multi-purpose water project and the Wild Coast Industrial Park stand out as key initiatives.
Skills development and youth entrepreneurship
- The Premier is committed to coordinating skills development and providing entrepreneurship support for the youth. This is accompanied by dedicated initiatives to combat gender-based violence and femicide, ensuring a safer and more equitable society.
Public participation and stakeholder engagement
- Public participation and stakeholder engagement are crucial to the Premier’s vision. Initiatives such as the Small-Town Revitalisation programme, active in 16 municipalities, and the rollout of Broadband 2.0 to connect more sites across the province, are designed to enhance connectivity and economic activity.
Building state capability
- The budget also underscores the importance of building state capability. This involves strengthening the provincial government’s ability to deliver services effectively and efficiently, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and excellence in governance.
Premier Mabuyane concluded with a call for collaboration from all stakeholders to build an inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Eastern Cape. “By working together, the province can overcome challenges and achieve the ambitious goals set out in the development plans.”
