The Western Cape Government has allocated R285.8 billion over the next three years, with R93.5 billion set aside for the 2026/27 financial year. Western Cape MEC of Finance, Deidré Baartman, tabled the 2026/27 Provincial Budget in Parliament on Thursday.
The budget, themed “Delivering Growth with Discipline and Care”, focuses on growth, job creation, and resilience in sectors including water, energy, agriculture, tourism, and critical infrastructure.
“This budget aims to accelerate growth, protect essential services, and respond decisively to rising climate and economic pressures,” Baartman said.
Opposition parties, however, say the budget neglects core services. While spending on safety programmes has increased by 6.54%, infrastructure funding has dropped by nearly 10%. Housing backlogs also remain unresolved.
“The lack of well-located housing, reliable infrastructure, and quality public education continues to undermine social stability,” said Brett Herron. “These are the foundations of dignity, opportunity, and safety,” he added.
The budget includes R949.8 million set aside for unforeseen disasters, including drought relief, combating gender-based violence (GBV), foot-and-mouth disease, and fires.
Critics argue that without stronger investment in social services, the province cannot adequately address inequality or rising food insecurity, which affects more than half of its residents.
Photo: Bertram Malgas/Western Cape Provincial Parliament
