MECs raise alarm over budget cuts hindering key Gauteng projects

Four Gauteng Members of the Executive Council (MECs) held a joint media briefing in Johannesburg on Wednesday to provide progress reports on their respective departments, with several raising the alarm over budget cuts that directly impact their ability to work.

E-Government (E-Gov) MEC Bonginkosi Dhlamini detailed his department's successes, including making good strides in the digitisation of medical records and the installation of CCTV cameras across the province, particularly in the Johannesburg CBD.

However, Dhlamini stated that budget constraints have limited his department’s progress in the crucial e-waste sector, which handles discarded electronic appliances.

"The department has a budget cut of close to a billion rand in this current seventh administration, a situation that’s beyond our control," Dhlamini said.

"We will continue to engage Treasury for ways to assist the department."

Agriculture MEC Vuyiswa Ramakgopa also stressed that more needs to be done to support subsistence farmers in the rural parts of Gauteng. She acknowledged the financial hurdles but pointed to her department' resilience.

"Although we continue to face several funding challenges, we have not allowed those challenges to derail our mission," Ramakgopa stated.

"Through innovation, partnerships, and disciplined spending, we have continued to deliver tangible results."

The remaining cohort of MECs is scheduled to present their reports on Thursday.