Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane presented the Office of The Premier Budget and Policy Statement for the 2024/2025 financial year, aiming to drive transformation in the Eastern Cape.

With a budget of R1.069 billion, the Premier emphasized a commitment to maximizing impact through innovation and prudence, despite a reduction from the previous year.

The key focus areas include mobilizing resources from the public and corporate sectors, and international partners, with a focus on protecting existing investments, attracting new ones, and reducing red tape. Additionally, there is a focus on monitoring and evaluating 15 catalytic infrastructure projects to rejuvenate the economy, including the Umzimvubu multi-purpose water project and the Wild Coast Industrial Park. The plan also involves coordinating skills development and entrepreneurship support for youth, alongside initiatives to combat gender-based violence and femicide.

The importance of public participation, stakeholder engagement, and building state capability was highlighted, including initiatives like the Small-Town Revitalization program in 16 municipalities and the rollout of Broadband 2.0 to connect more sites across the province.

The Premier concluded with a call for collaboration from all stakeholders to build an inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Eastern Cape, renewing the commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in governance.

Premier Mabuyane Unveils Bold Plans for Eastern Cape's Transformation