The KwaZulu-Natal government has reduced its projected provincial over-expenditure by approximately R7.2 billion since June 2024, while recording measurable improvements in key frontline services including health, education and infrastructure delivery.
The provincial government’s projected year-end over-expenditure declined from R9.725 billion against a main budget of R150.488 billion in June 2024 to approximately R2.5 billion by the end of September 2026.
This represents an improvement of R7.225 billion, or 74%, as the provincial government implements measures to restore financial stability and strengthen expenditure controls.
The provincial government has introduced tighter spending controls, improved cash management and a Provincial Financial Recovery Plan to address the situation while protecting essential services.
The fiscal improvements have coincided with progress in frontline services.
In education, KwaZulu-Natal achieved a 90.6% pass rate in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, placing the province first nationally.
Infrastructure delivery has continued, with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure reporting the completion of 70 of 100 planned capital projects, supporting approximately 5,000 jobs, while the Expanded Public Works Programme created 128 906 work opportunities.
In health, more than 4000 community health workers have been employed on a full-time basis, while more than 1.1 million active patients are collecting chronic medication closer to their home through the Ikhemisi Eduze Nawe programme.
The province has also added 44 ambulances and appointed more than 240 nurses and 238 doctors.
Progress has also been recorded in HIV treatment, with more than 1.57 million people receiving antiretroviral treatment, and over 210 000 patients who had defaulted on treatment have been traced and returned to care.
Infrastructure and employment programmes have also contributed to service delivery, with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure completing 70 of its 100 planned capital projects and supporting approximately 5 000 jobs.
The Expanded Public Works Programme has created 128 906 work opportunities.
“The R7.2 billion improvement in projected over-expenditure shows that stricter expenditure controls, enhanced cash management and the Provincial Financial Recovery Plan are helping to change the province’s financial trajectory. We are spending more responsibly while protecting essential services,” said KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers.
Despite the progress, the province continues to face spending pressures in health, public works and education. Previous-year accruals, employee costs, infrastructure commitments and outstanding obligations remain among the challenges weighing on provincial finances.
The provincial government also cited historical reductions in the provincial fiscal allocation by National Treasury, as well as unfunded and underfunded mandates, as contributing factors.
Rodgers said the financial recovery process is not yet complete and will require sustained discipline, consistency and institutional reform.
“Our task is not simply to spend less, but to spend better. We must strengthen accountability and ensure that every public rand delivers maximum value to the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” Rodgers said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.
