Delivering the 2021/22 provincial budget, MEC for Finance, Gadija Brown, has announced that the Education Department is allocated over R15.4 billion while the Health Department will receive R12,135 billion in 2021/22. The two departments at the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic are allocated these amounts to strengthen their fight against the pandemic and deliver services. Brown has confirmed that the province is overall allocated R38.6 billion in 2021/22.

The Education Department will, amongst others, make provision for the National School Nutrition Programme, for the Learner Transport Programme, as well as Learner-Teacher Support Material, amongst other necessities. Brown further announced that the Health Department will spend more than R35 billion over the next three years.

She explained that the Health Department will receive R12.135 billion in 2021/22, R11.807 billion in 2022/23 and R11.810 billion in 2023/24.

“We salute MEC Tsiu and her courageous team who have been and still are at the forefront of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. We also salute our courageous healthcare workers from the private sector. Your commitment to your work is unshakable, very much grounded, and brings hope that tomorrow will be better.”

Brown further highlighted that the provincial health department will receive R561 million in the first two financial years of the MTEF, specifically earmarked for Covid-19 measures.

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