Gauteng budgets R2bn for AmaPanyaza, helicopters, drones
Gauteng Finance MEC Jacob Mamabolo has allocated R2.3 billion to the Department of Community Safety to increase crime-fighting efforts in the province.
The department has also been allocated R7.2 billion over the 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
Mamabolo tabled his last budget for the sixth administration at the provincial legislature on Tuesday morning.
He allocated a budget of R165.8-billion to various departments for the 2024/25 financial year, with a growth projection of R171.5-billion in 2025/26 and R176.8-billion in 2026/27.
This equates to an injection of R514.1 billion into Gauteng’s economy over the next three years.
"This budget strikes a balance between the fiscal constraints that continue to be a drag on resource allocation, and the protection of the social wage, while at the same time striving towards the Gauteng of our dreams,” he said.
Mamabolo said the budget prioritises economic growth, boosting the township economy, fighting crime and expanding basic services to the public.
The budget allocated to fighting crime will be used to pay Crime Prevention Wardens and procure support helicopters and drones.
“These resources will be used to bolster law enforcement capabilities such as the Crime Prevention Wardens, helicopters and drones to take crime fighting into the skies, Provincial Integrated Command Centre, community policing initiatives, fighting gender-based violence and crimes against children through the GBV Response Plan, as well as crime prevention programmes aimed at fostering safer communities,” said Mamabolo.
He also provided R50 million in 2024/25 and R111.4 million over the 2024 MTEF to the Gauteng Department of e-Government for the installation of CCTV cameras to monitor crime hotspots.
An additional allocation of R10 million has been made available to roll out e-Panic buttons.
Mamabolo said a total of R64.8 billion in 2024/25 and R202.7 billion over the 2024 MTEF will be allocated to the Department of Health to implement health and wellness interventions, particularly in townships, informal settlements, and hostels.
“This budget includes a total of R14.2 billion allocated in the 2024/25 financial year and R43.4 billion over the 2024 MTEF towards, amongst others, broadening access to quality public healthcare, Primary Health Care re-engineering, extension of 24-hour services at Community Health Centres and reduction of radiation oncology backlog in facilities.”
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