The Portfolio Committee on Finance held the first leg of its public hearings on the Mpumalanga Adjustment Appropriation Bill, 2025, at Mdladla Community Hall in the Nkomazi Local Municipality on Wednesday, November 26. It was led by chairperson Cathy Dlamini, who was accompanied by a number of committee members.

In her opening remarks, Dlamini outlined the purpose of the hearing and reaffirmed the mandate of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature (MPL).

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga celebrates National Marriage Week

She explained the provincial budget process, from the MPL’s oversight role to the allocation of funds to departments for the financial year, noting that the province has seen an upward adjustment in the current budgeting cycle.

She said the purpose of the public hearing was to consider a Bill that seeks to effect adjustments to the appropriation of money from the Provincial Revenue Fund to meet the province’s requirements for the 2025/26 financial year and to provide for incidental matters.

Thobile Magwaza of the Provincial Treasury presented the proposed adjustments. She explained that the minister of finance tabled the 2025/26 Adjustment Appropriation Bill in accordance with legislative and financial management requirements. She added that the Bill ensures withdrawals from the Provincial Revenue Fund remain lawful and aligned with provincial priorities.

The presentation reflected adjustments across several departments and institutions. The Office of the Premier and Provincial Treasury received no adjustment of funds, while the MPL received an adjustment of R50.3m. Co-operative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs received R28.6m; agriculture and rural development, R375.9m; economic development and tourism, R99.6m; education, R451.5m; public works, roads and transport, R476.8m; community safety, security and liaison, R28.9m; health, R685m; culture, sport and recreation, R180.9m; and social development, R30m.

In total, the provincial adjustments amount to R2.045b for the 2025/26 financial year. The revised allocations are aimed at strengthening service delivery, governance, infrastructure development, social support, and economic growth.

The Bill further outlines conditional grants, spending requirements, and regulatory measures that will guide its implementation once enacted as the Mpumalanga Adjustment Appropriation Act, 2025.

Members of the public raised concerns regarding service delivery in their communities. Issues highlighted included poor road conditions, limited support for local farmers, a shortage of ambulances, inadequate staffing in schools, concerns about the distribution of tablets only to Grade 12 learners and not to other grades, insufficient specifications of the tablets provided, and staffing shortages in clinics. Despite raising these concerns, community members reportedly expressed support for the Bill.

ALSO READ: University of Mpumalanga showcases cutting-edge research

Dlamini assured attendees that all concerns would be forwarded to the relevant departments for urgent attention. She emphasised the legislature’s commitment to ensuring that community voices inform government planning and service delivery.

In outlining the way forward, Nomagugu Mabuza of the MPL’s legal services announced that the public hearings would continue. A second session took place in the Gert Sibande District on Friday, while the final session is set to be held in the Nkangala District today, December 3.

The legislature reaffirmed its commitment to promoting participatory democracy and ensuring that citizens continue to play a meaningful role in decisions relating to the allocation of public resources.