Mpumalanga MEC for Finance, Bonakele Majuba.
Mpumalanga MEC for Finance, Bonakele Majuba, tabled the provincial budget for the 2026/27 financial year in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, on Wednesday March 11.
The budget is outlining government’s plan to drive economic growth, strengthen service delivery and invest in critical infrastructure. T
Majuba said the provincial economy is expected to grow by 1.3 per cent in 2026, rising to 1.9 per cent in 2027 and reaching three per cent by 2029, aligning with the Medium-Term Development Plan’s growth targets.
Majuba said key sectors such as agriculture, finance, transport, communication and construction are expected to drive economic growth in Mpumalanga.
The financial sector has remained particularly resilient, consistently achieving growth of around two per cent annually, with projections averaging 3.2 per cent between 2024 and 2029.
However, the MEC warned that global economic uncertainties could affect the province. Rising geopolitical tensions, particularly conflicts in the Middle East, may disrupt global trade and commodity markets, potentially impacting agricultural exports and local farmers. He stressed the importance of diversifying export markets and strengthening local production capacity to shield the provincial economy from external shocks.
“Despite ongoing challenges, Mpumalanga has recorded encouraging progress in employment. According to Statistics South Africa’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, the province achieved its highest employment levels in the fourth quarter of 2025 and ranked second nationally in job creation. Employment growth has largely been driven by sectors such as finance, tourism, community services, construction and agriculture,” Majuba said
He also emphasised that infrastructure investment will remain a key driver of economic growth and job creation. The provincial government has committed more than R4 billion towards economic and social infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, hospitals and energy initiatives aimed at stimulating private sector investment.
The province will spend R216 billion over the 2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, with R70.3 billion allocated for the 2026/27 financial year. Of this amount, 79.6 per cent will come from the provincial equitable share, 15.2 per cent from conditional grants and 5.2 per cent from own revenue sources.
Majuba concluded that the budget prioritises essential social services, economic transformation and infrastructure development, while maintaining sound financial management to support sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for the people of Mpumalanga.
