Gauteng authorities have raised alarm over the impact of budget cuts on the province’s ability to deliver critical services, warning that continued austerity measures could cripple key sectors such as health and education.
The concern was raised during a series of provincial government briefings in Johannesburg this week, following a meeting of the Gauteng Executive Council.
Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said her department continues to operate under mounting pressure, as budget allocations shrink while the number of patients in the province’s hospitals keeps rising.
“We’re doing as much as we can with what we have,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko. “But when we get an increase, we’ll appreciate it. The budget for health is not enough.”
She cited Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital as an example, saying that although bed capacity has grown from 2,888 to 3,500, funding has remained stagnant.
“All hospitals have seen an increase in beds, but their budgets are still the same,” she added.
Education MEC Matome Chiloane echoed similar concerns, revealing that his department is struggling to cope with rising demand for school placements. Over 140,000 learners from other provinces have applied for placement in Gauteng schools for 2026.
“If it’s not addressed, the system will collapse,” warned Chiloane. “We might not be the first to collapse, but the crisis will eventually reach us.”
He also confirmed delays in payments to service providers under the school nutrition programme, though he assured that food supplies to learners would not be disrupted.
“We’ve asked suppliers not to halt deliveries while arrangements are being made to settle outstanding payments,” said Chiloane.
Despite fiscal constraints, both MECs emphasised that their departments are implementing strict financial controls and exploring ways to stretch limited resources without compromising essential services.
“We’re managing our finances as prudently as possible,” said Chiloane.
The provincial government says it remains committed to protecting frontline services but warns that sustained budget cuts could undermine service delivery in the country’s most populous province.