Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has tabled a R1.51 billion Office of The Premier (OTP) budget for the 2025/26 financial year, setting a bold agenda for inclusive growth, ethical governance, and community empowerment in the Eastern Cape.
Delivering the policy speech at the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, Premier Mabuyane emphasised continuity with the strategic priorities of inclusive growth and job creation, poverty reduction, and building a capable, ethical state. He cited major gains in education, health, infrastructure, and governance during the sixth administration, and committed to scaling efforts despite economic and geopolitical challenges.
"The agility we displayed in the past five years will be doubled as we push more to achieve the PDP goals by 2030,” Premier Mabuyane declared.
As part of its commitment to advancing youth development, the Office of the Premier is preparing to onboard nearly 300 interns through the MerSETA Mega Project 6. This marks the initial intake of beneficiaries under the SETA s substantial R216 million investments in the Eastern Cape. In total, the project is set to benefit 2,320 young people. Additionally, R70 million has been allocated to address historical student debt at the province s three universities, providing critical financial relief and improved access to higher education.
With a 22.3% increase from last year s allocation, the OTP s budget will fund initiatives across five programmes, with the largest share R855.3 million going toward state capacity and institutional development. Efforts include the rollout of e-recruitment and performance management systems, improved audit outcomes, and enhanced municipal support.
Premier Mabuyane reaffirmed the province s commitment to tackling Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F), with R225 million set aside for interventions. The OTP will also lead programmes supporting ex-mine workers, military veterans, and food security, while investing in Early Childhood Development (ECD), including facilities for children with special needs.
The policy speech, built on a foundation of strategic foresight and social compacting, demonstrates the Eastern Cape Provincial Government s resolve to overcome adversity and shape a prosperous, inclusive future.
