The R817.875 million allocation for the Office of the Premier is a strategic investment to ensure that the provincial government remains agile, efficient, and people centred, says KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli.
“Our vision is clear. We are building a capable and ethical state that fosters inclusive development, safeguards the vulnerable, and delivers with excellence,” Ntuli said.
The Premier tabled the Office of the Premier's 2025/26 Budget Vote at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature, in Pietermaritzburg, on Thursday, under the theme: “Accelerating Inclusive Growth and Service Delivery through Effective Governance”.
The budget speech marked a step in driving socioeconomic transformation, improving public sector performance, and addressing the province’s most urgent challenges. It also reflected the province’s commitment to fast-tracking service delivery through innovation, interdepartmental coordination, and effective oversight.
The key focus areas highlighted in the budget vote included:
• Youth empowerment and job creation: Enhanced support for the Youth Development Fund and expanded skills development initiatives, through the Moses Kotane Institute and Operation Vula.
• Fighting gender-based violence: Continued implementation of the provincial Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Strategy, with targeted programmes to protect women, children, and the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual) community.
• Digital transformation: The Office of the Premier will invest in modern ICT (Information and Communication Technology) infrastructure, to improve governance and streamline public service delivery.
• District Development Model: Strengthening the one-government, one-plan approach to tackle service delivery backlogs and build resilient local economies.
The Premier also reaffirmed the provincial government’s stance on clean governance and zero tolerance for corruption.
“Every rand spent must serve the people of this province. There will be no room for maladministration or ethical lapses,” Ntuli said.
As KwaZulu-Natal continues to recover from the impact of past disasters and economic strain, the Premier said the 2025/26 budget is positioned as a catalyst for sustainable recovery, job creation, and a more just society.
In his closing remarks, the Premier called for unity and collaboration with all stakeholders.
“Let us work together – government, business, civil society and communities – to build the KwaZulu-Natal we all deserve,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
