Maile: Of R1.8bn underspent by Gauteng govt, only R85m at risk of being forfeited to Treasury
The provincial government has been under fire following comments by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, over his unhappiness with the budget allocation not being fully spent.
Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile held a media briefing on Monday, 12 May 2025. Picture: Thabiso Goba / Eywitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng government has clarified that while it has underspent its budget by R1.8 billion, it is only at risk of forfeiting R85 million back to National Treasury.
The provincial government has been under fire following comments by Premier Panyaza Lesufi over his unhappiness with the budget allocation not being fully spent.
Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile held a media briefing on Monday to clarify the matter.
For the 2024 / 25 financial year, the Gauteng government spent 99% of its budget.
Of the R1.8 billion unspent, R1.4 billion came from the provincial equitable share, with the rest coming from conditional grants.
Maile said unspent funds from the provincial equitable share go back to the province for reallocation.
“When you look at the statement, the only money, if roll-overs were to be approved nationally, the province would have lost R85 million to Treasury."
Maile said the Gauteng government has applied to the National Treasury to approve the rollover of R295 million out of the R381 million of unspent conditional grants to the next financial year.
“The concern that the underspent resources will no longer be available or that they are lost to the Gauteng Provincial Government is a misunderstanding that necessitates clarification,” said Lebogang Maile, Gauteng Finance MEC. TCG
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 12, 2025