72% of Free State budget goes to Education and Health

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – Departments of Education and Health will have the biggest bite of the Free State budget of 2025/26.

Out of the allocated R45,8 billion, the two departments will have (72%) R18,8 billion and R14,1 billion respectively.

This was revealed by Ketso “Toto” Makume, MEC for Finance on Wednesday.

Makume also indicated that the Department is expected to once again have a salary budget deficit of R500 million this year.

The rest of the 10 departments and legislature will have to make out what they can with the remaining R13 billion.

Freedom Front plus bemoaned lack of funds.

“As usual, not enough funds were earmarked for maintaining infrastructure, such as roads, in the province. The percentage of infrastructure expenditure is a mere 11% of the budget.“

Community Safety, Roads and Transport is allocated R3,7 billion while Agriculture is allocated R883 million.

The department of Public Works and Infrastructure and Human Settlements which are expected to pay taxes, municipal services and building of houses allocated R2.3 billion and R1.3 billion respectively.

If you were wondering why Masechaba Sesing, Head of Department at Health is moved, now you know.

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