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Charting a way forward for the Free State province, the Free State Legislature will house the budget votes for departments from 13 June 2025, to be kicked off by the Department of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism (DESTEA), and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).
The Free State MEC for Finance Mr Ketso Makume tabled his budget for the province on 29 May 2025, where he allocated funds for the different departments; he said the budget will focus on curbing non-essential spending, managing compensation of employees prudently, and eliminating inefficiencies across the system.
He said departments are expected to review their structures, identify redundant positions, and conduct head counts through targeted verification processes under the theme “where’s who, who’s where?!”.
MEC Makume, who is also the MEC for DESTEA, allocated an amount of R705 million for 2025/26, 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.
He is also allocated an amount of R447 million in 2025/26, R463 million in 2026/27 and R478 million in 2027/28 for CoGTA. Over the MTEF the department is expected to spend more than R1.3 billion.
MEC Ketso Makume, who heads DESTEA and MEC for CoGTA Mr Saki Mokoena will ascend the podium on Friday to take the province into their confidence and outline the key priorities for their respective departments; these will include job creation, reducing poverty, tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable and ethical state and the proper functioning of municipalities.
The budget vote proceedings will also provide a roadmap into the future towards building on the achievements and encouraging the optimal use of resources.
MEC Makume during his budget speech as MEC for Finance, alluded that the budget is aimed at empowering the province to be effective and competent, ensuring that all departments possess the necessary skills required.
“The province will embark on a comprehensive skills audit—not to marginalize workers, but to empower and reskill them. This is a tool for development, and we call on our labour partners to support this progressive initiative. Additionally, we support the national early retirement strategy to create space for younger professionals while achieving fiscal savings,” said Makume.
The proceedings will commence from 9am on 13 June, at Fourth Raadsaal, Free State Legislature in Bloemfontein.
