The MEC for finance, Bonakele Majuba, discussed various issues while tabling the provincial budget for 2026/27 financial year in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature on Wednesday, March 11.

In his speech, he outlined plans and funding to address damage caused by heavy rains, the construction of a multipurpose arena, and initiatives to fight crime.

Majuba said the Department of Education receives 43.4% of the total provincial budget or R30b. This includes R150m for the repair of school infrastructure damaged during recent heavy rainfall and the provision of mobile classrooms.

The Department of Health is allocated R21b; this includes R577.4m for the compensation of employees and employment of health professionals and community health workers.

Majuba said the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation is allocated R721m, which includes R45m for the construction of a 5 000-seater multipurpose arena at the Mbombela Stadium precinct.

The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs is allocated R1b to drive food security, sustainable land use, and national imperatives such as climate resilience and biodiversity protection.

An amount of R35m has been allocated for disaster recovery at Senteeko Dam following heavy rains that caused structural damage and threatened the safety of nearby communities.

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In January, the Department of Water and Sanitation warned the public that the dam was at risk of imminent failure. The dam, owned by the Shamile Communal Property Association, is used for irrigation.
At the time, the department’s spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, said an emergency safety assessment conducted by the Dam Safety Office confirmed that the spillway structure had suffered severe and irreversible deterioration, including advanced erosion and undercutting, leading to structural instability.

The Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs received R2b to support local government, and provide integrated housing and basic services to communities. An additional R8.2m will sustain support for the House of the Traditional and Khoisan Leaders.
The Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport is allocated R6b.

R2b is allocated to the Department of Social Development to provide care, protection, and opportunities that promote dignity and build an inclusive society.

The Office of the Premier is allocated R505m to co-ordinate and oversee the running of government, and ensure that policy priorities are implemented.

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An allocation of R584m is made to the Mpumalanga Legislature, including R10m for programmes aimed at strengthening democracy. The Mpumalanga Provincial Treasury is allocated R729m to strengthen budget implementation.

Majuba added that the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison will receive R2b to intensify oversight of the police, enforce road safety laws and ensure the safety of citizens in public facilities.