Tuesday, 22 April 2025 | Pietermaritzburg - KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, today tabled the Office of the Premier's 2025/26 Budget Vote in the Provincial Legislature under the theme “Accelerating Inclusive Growth and Service Delivery through Effective Governance”. The budget speech marked a pivotal step in driving socioeconomic transformation, improving public sector performance, and addressing the province’s most urgent challenges.

Premier Ntuli emphasized that the R817.875 Million allocation to Vote 1 – Office of the Premier – is a strategic investment to ensure that the provincial government remains agile, efficient, and people-centred. “Our vision is clear,” he stated. “We are building a capable and ethical state that fosters inclusive development, safeguards the vulnerable, and delivers with excellence.”

The budget reflects the province’s commitment to fast-tracking service delivery through innovation, interdepartmental coordination, and effective oversight. Key focus areas highlighted in the speech include:

Youth Empowerment & Job Creation: Enhanced support for the Youth Development Fund and expanded skills development initiatives through the Moses Kotane Institute and Operation Vula.

Fighting Gender-Based Violence: Continued implementation of the Provincial Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Strategy with targeted programmes to protect women, children, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Digital Transformation: The Office of the Premier will invest in modern ICT infrastructure to improve governance and streamline public service delivery.

District Development Model: Strengthening the one-government, one-plan approach to tackle service delivery backlogs and build resilient local economies.

Premier Ntuli also reaffirmed the provincial government’s stance on clean governance and zero tolerance for corruption. “Every rand spent must serve the people of this province,” he asserted. “There will be no room for maladministration or ethical lapses.”

As KwaZulu-Natal continues to recover from the impact of past disasters and economic strain, the 2025/26 budget is positioned as a catalyst for sustainable recovery, job creation, and a more just society.

The Premier concluded his address with a call for unity and collaboration: “Let us work together – government, business, civil society and communities – to build the KwaZulu-Natal we all deserve.”