Today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng debated the 2026/27 budgets for various departments, including Office of the Premier, Community Safety, Human Settlements, Economic Development, Health and Agriculture and Rural Development. We have not voted in support of any of these budgets because they are not aligned to the real needs of Gauteng residents.
At a time when crime is rampant, the healthcare system is under immense strain, unemployment remains stubbornly high, and basic services are increasingly unreliable, government spending must be directed towards addressing these pressing challenges. These budgets fail that test, and supporting them would mean failing the citizens of this province.
Office of the Premier
The Office of the Premier (OoP) continues to fail in its role to oversee the work of all Gauteng Departments. Gauteng residents are tired of promises, plans and announcements that fail to deliver jobs, safety, reliable basic services and better living conditions. They need a Premier who holds his MECs to account rather than shielding them through excuses and reschuffles.
Community Safety
Gauteng remains the kidnapping capital of South Africa, yet the department continues to make safety promises that are not backed by adequate funding. The Community Safety budget has been cut, impacting crime prevention, traffic law enforcement and operational support. Gauteng residents need evidence-based policing, proper resourcing and accountability.
Human Settlements
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements continues to underperform despite billions in funding. Persistent inefficiencies, weak governance and infrastructure constraints continue to delay informal settlement upgrading and title deed issuance. Urgent reforms, stronger accountability and enforceable performance systems are needed to ensure housing delivery meets the needs of Gauteng residents.
Economic Development
The Gauteng Economic Development budget fails to reflect the Premier’s vision of reindustrialisation and township inclusion. Key programmes such as the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller, SEZs and industrial parks continue to underperform due to weak implementation and reduced support. The DA rejects this budget, which fails to address crime, infrastructure failure and poor service delivery needed for growth and jobs.
Health
The Gauteng Health budget fails to address deep systemic failures in leadership, governance and accountability that continue to undermine patient care. Persistent instability in senior management, irregular appointments and poor project management have contributed to crises such as long surgery backlogs, cancer treatment delays and failing hospital infrastructure.
Agriculture and Rural Development
The Gauteng Agriculture and Rural Development budget fails to demonstrate effective use of funds, with persistent underspending, delayed projects and weak support for farmers and smallholders. Despite significant allocations, including for Foot-and-Mouth Disease response, there is a lack of transparent reporting, poor implementation and ongoing administrative failures.
Below are the speeches delivered during today’s Annual Reports debate in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL):