Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku –Community Newsroom Photo Credit: Supplied
Johannesburg, 3 December 2025 — Gauteng MEC for Finance, Jacob Mamabolo Maile, has tabled a decisive Mid-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) that injects R3.3 billion into the provincial budget, reinforcing the province’s commitment to service delivery, economic growth, and digitised, corruption-resistant governance.
The announcement comes two weeks after Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana reaffirmed in his national MTBPS that South Africa is “choosing growth, stability, and reform.” MEC Maile emphasised that Gauteng is aligning firmly with that mission — placing people, transparency, and sustainable development at the centre of fiscal decision-making.
The tabling also coincided with the national 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, adding urgency to Gauteng’s commitment to social protection. Maile welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of GBV as a national disaster, noting its economic and societal impact.
Gauteng’s Economic Engine Remains Vital — but Must Grow Faster
Gauteng’s economic output reached R2.4 trillion in 2024, far surpassing the economies of KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape combined, and accounting for R33 of every R100 generated nationally.
Despite this formidable position, Maile stressed that stronger, more inclusive growth is essential:
“Gauteng’s economy must record far higher growth rates to lift South Africa’s GDP, accelerate job creation and reduce poverty.”
To drive this shift, the provincial executive council has approved the Gauteng City Region Economic Growth and Development Plan (GCR EGDP) — a blueprint aligned to the 7th Administration’s priorities:
- Inclusive economic growth and job creation
- Improved living conditions, health, and well-being
- A capable, ethical, and developmental state
A Tough Fiscal Environment Calls for Discipline and Innovation
With rising demand for services and limited fiscal space, the province has adopted active debt management, spending restraint, and new revenue-generation strategies.
The newly approved GPG-Wide Revenue Enhancement Strategy, endorsed in October 2025, is designed to unlock additional provincial revenue streams to fund priority programmes.
Gauteng Accelerates Digital Transformation to Stop Leakages and Improve Turnaround Times
A major highlight of the 2025 MTBPS is Gauteng’s fast-tracked shift toward end-to-end digital procurement, invoicing, and budget management systems — a structural reform aimed at eliminating inefficiencies and corruption.
Launch of TendaSwift: A New Era in e-Procurement
MEC Maile officially launched TendaSwift, a modern e-procurement platform developed with the Gautrain Management Agency. Accessible via the Provincial Treasury’s e-tender portal, TendaSwift will:
- Automate and digitise tender processes
- Strengthen oversight and compliance
- Enhance competition and accessibility for all suppliers
- Reduce delays linked to manual, paper-based submissions
The first Provincial Treasury tender is already live on the platform, with the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency’s first TendaSwift tender going live on 5 December 2025.
“This is not just a technology upgrade — it is a strategic intervention designed to ensure equal access, transparency, and a modern procurement system,” Maile said.
Additional Digital Reforms
- Invoice Management System (IMS):
Over 165,000 invoices worth R35.6 billion submitted this year.
83% paid within 30 days, significantly strengthening supplier confidence. - Purchasing Card (P-Card):
Supporting SMMEs with near-instant payments for transactions under R30,000.
Over 500 merchants benefitted this year, with R3 million monthly spend. - Automation of RFQ and RLS01 systems:
Developed with National Treasury and e-Government to integrate budgeting and procurement workflows.
Breakdown of the R3.3 Billion Adjustments Budget
The Adjustments Budget prioritises frontline service delivery, critical social needs and infrastructure stability.
Key Allocations
- Office of the Premier:
R43.9 million, including- R40.8 million toward outstanding Life Esidimeni claims
- R2.8 million for critical posts
- Department of Health:
R1.1 billion for Goods & Services pressures
R90 million for infrastructure - Education:
R507.8 million, including- R200 million for Compensation of Employees
- R307.8 million for School Nutrition, Transport, and Safety
- Social Development:
R103.9 million, including infrastructure top-ups - Community Safety:
R92.6 million to strengthen frontline security services - Sports, Arts, Culture & Recreation:
R10 million, including- R6 million for the December 2025 Summer Games
- R3 million for Goods & Services
- R1 million for Compensation of Employees
- e-Government:
R400 million, split equally between- Upgrading the Gauteng Provincial Network (GPN)
- Pressures in Goods & Services
- Infrastructure Development:
R20 million for Goods & Services
R13 million for Compensation of Employees
Strengthening Water Security for Gauteng’s Future
Maile acknowledged the significant frustrations of residents impacted by water outages and welcomed the launch of Rand Water’s System 5A — a major infrastructure investment that will:
- Add 600 million litres/day to capacity
- With 150 million litres/day already operational
- Achieve full commissioning by December 2025
- Secure water availability for the province until 2031
He praised Rand Water CEO Sipho Mosai for the utility’s progress but emphasised that municipalities must urgently strengthen local water governance to ensure stable supply.
A Budget Built for Stability, Transparency, and Long-Term Growth
Closing his address, MEC Maile reiterated Gauteng’s commitment to a capable, ethical state that delivers real value for every rand spent:
“Our focus is clear: protecting social services, supporting inclusive growth, and ensuring that every rand delivers tangible benefits to the people of Gauteng.”
With significant investment in digital systems, essential services, and economic acceleration, the province positions itself to navigate immediate pressures while laying the foundation for long-term stability and growth.
