KwaZulu-Natal’s Disaster Management, along with the departments of Health and Education, will benefit from the National Treasury allocation of R3.6 billion.
The KZN Adjustments Appropriation Bill, 2025, vote took place at the KZN legislature on Thursday.
Tim Brauteseth, MPL and Democratic Alliance KZN spokesperson on Finance explained that this Bill does not replace the main budget passed earlier in the year; it allows KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) to respond to unexpected events, correct earlier estimates, and direct money where it is most urgently needed.
Brauteseth said that for KZN, these adjustments are important due to severe weather disasters, fiscal pressure within the Health and Education departments, and rising service delivery demands.
In terms of this Adjustments Budget,
- R2 billion added to the Provincial Equitable Share to assist departments in managing budget pressures.
- R984.8 million for disaster relief and rebuilding.
- R442.4 million in additions to conditional grants.
- R189.7 million in approved rollovers of unspent conditional grants.
Education
The KZN Department of Education (DoE) receives additional funding of R640.9 million allocated to address longstanding budget pressures in schools.
Brauteseth stated that schools are now better positioned to pay teachers and support staff.
“Funds are redirected toward maintenance and repairs, ensuring that classrooms damaged by storms or flooding can be restored. Money is shifted to ensure learners receive learning and teaching support materials, such as books, equipment, and digital tools,” he said.
Increased funding for Early Childhood Development (ECD) sees subsidies per child up from R17 to R24 per day for centre-based programmes.
Health
The KZN Department of Health receives an additional R1.39 billion, which will support:
- Payment of nurses, doctors, and critical frontline staff.
- Medical equipment maintenance.
- Continued operation of district hospitals and clinics.
- R95.2 million – allocated after the withdrawal of PEPFAR funding – to ensure that HIV and related services continue without interruption.
Disaster Relief
The province will receive R985 million for disaster relief and reconstruction. The funds are expected to be used to:
- Repair damaged schools.
- Restore health facilities.
- Rebuild provincial roads, particularly in rural and flood affected areas.
- Support public infrastructure, ensuring access to services resumes quickly.
Transport
Brauteseth said the Bill also paves the way for safer travel, with R300 million redirected to learner transport. This means:
- Children are less likely to walk long and unsafe distances.
- Improved school attendance, particularly during bad weather.
- Reduced financial and safety burdens for parents.
“Funding is also directed toward road maintenance, improving access for taxis, buses, emergency services, and everyday commuters,” he said.
Human Settlements
Funding has been redirected from delayed or stalled projects to high-pressure spending areas, enabling the government to:
- Pay outstanding invoices on completed housing projects.
- Align subsidies with new, higher national housing standards.
- Restart delayed housing developments once procurement issues are resolved.
“This Bill is not just about numbers – it is about responding to real needs, real emergencies, and real people. Government is working hard to balance limited resources with overwhelming demand, while keeping service delivery at the centre of decision making,” Brauteseth said.
