Economic growth and job creation take lion's share of WC budget

Western Cape MEC for Finance, Deidré Baartman, says the province is showing strong economic momentum, with unemployment at 18.1%,well below the national rate of 31%. 

However, Baartman warned that global volatility and national constraints still pose risks.

The MEC tabled a R93.5 billion budget for 2026/2027, with R285.8 billion to be rolled out in the province over the next three years.

READ: WC budget: Provincial govt allocated R93.5bn for 2026/27

Major allocations include R36 billion for job creation initiatives, with funds pumped into promoting investments, exports, agriculture, and tourism.

To ensure long-term stability, big boosts go to energy and water resilience. This includes more than R452 million for solar installations and R177 million for drought response.

Infrastructure receives R31 billion over three years for:

Roads

Human settlements

Education

Health facilities

Close to R9 billion will be allocated to safety, while the biggest share, R208 billion, goes to building an "educated, healthy and caring society."

Baartman emphasised that the budget protects the vulnerable while backing growth in the province.

"This means the protection of frontline systems that shape a person's future long before they enter the labour market," she said.