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To further complement the work already being done by the Free State Department of Human Settlements, the Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Mr Ketso Makume re-allocated R60 million to the department.
MEC Makume delivered his 2025/26 second budget adjustment on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, in Bloemfontein; where he announced that funds from National Treasury re-allocated to the Free State Province will be allocated to the Department of Human Settlements to complement their stellar work.
During the tabling of his budget adjustment, Makume said the provision of houses is not merely about bricks and mortar. It is about restoring dignity, building families, and creating sustainable communities. It is about fulfilling a constitutional mandate and advancing social justice.
“It is therefore both appropriate and fitting that, at the very outset that we acknowledge and congratulate the Free State Department of Human Settlements for the sterling work it continues to perform. Week after week (Beke le beke), houses are being completed and handed over to deserving beneficiaries across our province.
This consistent delivery demonstrates that when resources are allocated responsibly and managed effectively, tangible results follow,” said MEC Ketso Makume.
The MEC explained that the Free State Province received correspondence from the National Treasury on 26 January 2026, informing them that the National Department of Human Settlements had stopped an amount of R150 million from the allocation of the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements. He said this action was undertaken in terms of Section 18 of the Division of Revenue Act, 2025 (Act No. 2 of 2025, as amended).
Subsequently, on the 20th of February 2026, the National Treasury issued a Government Gazette confirming the stopping of the funds and further indicating their re-allocation in compliance with Section 19 of the Division of Revenue Act, 2025 (as amended).
Makume said the Free State was allocated R60 million, sharing the R150 million with two other provinces, of which the Eastern Cape received R60 million, while Limpopo province received R30 million.
“These funds are added to the existing allocations under the Human Settlements Development Grant and must be expended within the current financial year in accordance with the applicable grant framework and conditions.
This process ensures that the additional allocation is lawfully appropriated, properly aligned with our implementation plans, and expended without delay to accelerate housing delivery in our province,” he said.
MEC Ketso Makume further announced a budget of R3 498 million appropriated to the Department of Education. He said these funds emanate from the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) and have been deposited into the Provincial Revenue Fund.
“The allocation is specifically earmarked for the training and development of our educators. By strengthening the skills base of our teachers, we are investing directly in improved learning outcomes and the long-term development of our province,” explained the MEC.
