Gauteng MECs unveil R2.36bn blueprint for inclusive growth

By Johnathan Paoli

Three Gauteng MECs have announced ambitious departmental plans following their 2025/26 budget approvals, signalling a commitment to inclusive growth, sustainability, and social development across the province.

Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, Environment MEC Ewan Botha, and Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation MEC Matome Chiloane outlined their strategies during a joint media briefing in Johannesburg.

The trio highlighted a combined allocation of over R2.36 billion to tackle issues such as food insecurity, environmental sustainability, youth unemployment, and cultural preservation.

Ramokgopa presented her department’s R671.1 million budget as a transformative blueprint designed to fight hunger, commercialise small-scale agriculture, and grow rural economies.

“This budget is the seed we plant to activate a broader network of support and unlock the potential of Gauteng’s agriculture sector. We will walk this journey together, with farmers, youth, businesses, and civil society,” Ramokgopa said.

The five priority areas for 2025/26 include ending