By 
The Free State MEC for Finance Mr Ketso Makume presented his revised budget of R141.4 billion on 29 May 2025, which he said its key priorities remain unchanged from the budget he presented on 18 March.
The MEC had to table his budget once more following the tabling of the National Budget on 21 May 2025, by the Finance Minister Mr Enoch Godongwana. The national budget faced many huddles for approval, which prompted a re-tabling of the provincial budget.
Though opposition parties were able to get the Minister to reverse his proposed budget that included a 2% VAT increase, Godongwana instead increase fuel levies. This move was also not welcomed by some opposition parties; however, MEC Makume says his department supports this development.
“We applaud the decisiveness and transparency of the Minister of Finance in dealing with the budget impasse that we have all witnessed. We further agree and share same sentiments with the Minister that as a country we are traversing unchartered waters which are also presenting learning opportunities for us all.
We fully welcome the proposed review of the budget process aimed at enabling broader consultations with key relevant stakeholders in the budget process. This is a commendable step towards inclusive and transparent planning, and we are committed to aligning our processes in full support of this initiative,” said MEC Ketso Makume.
Makume presented his unchanged provincial budget of 2025 Medium Term Budget Framework. He said in the 2025 MTEF period, the province estimates to spend more than R141.4 billion which is allotted as follows—
• R45.8 billion in 2025/26
• R46.8 billion in 2026/27; and
• R48.8 billion in 2027/28
“The 2025/26 allocation of R45.8 billion is constituted by equitable share, conditional grants and provincial own revenue. Thus, the allocated equitable share amounts to R34.8 billion which is an increase of 5.2 percent when compared to the last financial year allocation. The conditional grants’ receipts total R9.8 billion, an increase of 0.9 percent. Lastly, the projected provincial revenue collection amounts to R1.2 billion,” said the MEC.
The Department of Health is allocated R14.1 billion in 2025/26, R14.7 billion in 2026/27 and R15.4 billion in 2027/28. These allocations provide for implementation of key sector priorities, infrastructure investment and related operational costs. The estimated spending over the MTEF period amounts to R44.3 billion.
The Department of Social Development is allocated R1.3 billion in 2025/26, R1.4 billion in 2026/27 and R1.4 billion in 2027/28. Over the MTEF period, the projected spending for the department is more than R4.2 billion. This budget funds key sector priorities which include infrastructure maintenance and the related operation costs.
The Department Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation will receive a total allocation of R666 million in 2025/26, R686 million in 2026/27 and R707 million in 2027/28. Over the MTEF the department will spend an estimated amount of R2 billion funding. The budget funds key sector priorities which include infrastructure maintenance and the related operation costs.
The department is allocated R2.3 billion in 2025/26, R2.3 billion in 2026/27 and R2.4 billion in 2027/28. Over the MTEF the department is expected to spend R7.1 billion. The budget funds key sector priorities which include infrastructure delivery and the related operation costs.
The department receives an amount of R3.7 billion in 2025/26, R3.2 billion in 2026/27 and R3.3 billion in 2027/28. In total the department is estimated to spend R10.3 billion over the MTEF. This budget makes provision for key sector priorities which include maintenance of provincial roads and the related operation costs.
The department will receive R883 million in 2025/26, R911 million in 2026/27 and R949 million in 2027/28. Over the MTEF period ahead the projected spending totals R2.7 billion. The department will implement key sector priorities which include support for farmers, infrastructure maintenance and related operational costs.
The department will receive R1.2 billion in 2025/26, R1.1 billion in 2026/27 and R1.2 billion in 2027/28. Over 2025 MTEF the projected expenditure amounts to R3.7 billion is mainly dominated by conditional grants. The allocation provides for sector priorities which include provision of human settlements and upgrading of informal settlements.
An amount of R705 million is allocated for 2025/26 for the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, whilst R719 million and R743 million is allocated for 2026/27 and 2027/28 respectively. The estimated expenditure for the MTEF period totals R2.1 billion. The budget caters for key sector priorities which include support for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises, promotion of tourism sector, protection of environment and related operational costs.
The Office of the Premier receives R633 million in 2025/26, R649 million in 2026/27 and R658 million in 2027/28. Over the MTEF ahead the expenditure is estimated at R1.9 billion.
COGTA is allocated R447 million in 2025/26, R463 million in 2026/27 and R478 million in 2027/28. Over the MTEF the department is expected to spend more than R1.3 billion.
The Provincial Treasury is allocated R384 million in 2025/26; R399 million in 2026/27 and R414 million in 2027/28. In total Provincial Treasury is estimated to spend R1.1 billion over the MTEF period.
The Provincial Legislature is allocated R317 million in 2025/26; R339 million in 2026/27 and R375 million in 2027/28. In total, the Legislature is estimated to spend just above R1 billion over the MTEF period ahead.
“Hon. Speaker, the Free State province stands ready to work with National Treasury, our departments, and our people to navigate this period with resolve, wisdom, and integrity. We will continue to prioritize investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation, ensuring that no one is left behind.
We assure this august House that the people’s needs remain at the heart of our fiscal decisions, and we remain steadfastly guided by this principle,” concluded Makume.
