The United Africans Transformation (UAT) party is up in arms over the recent revelation that Gauteng’s provincial government returned more than R1 billion to the National Treasury due to underspending during the 2024/25 financial year. According to a report by Sowetan, Ncumisa Mnyani, the head of the Provincial Treasury department, disclosed that the Department of Health failed to utilize R724.6 million from its allocated budget of R66 billion. Similarly, the Department of Education did not spend R317.35 million out of its R66.1 billion budget.
The UAT has voiced deep disappointment with the situation, highlighting how such significant sums meant for essential services remained unutilized while residents continue to face challenges on various fronts. The party questioned how a government could have such substantial budgets yet fail to address critical needs like understaffed clinics and deteriorating healthcare infrastructure.
The UAT raised poignant questions:
“How does a government with a health budget of R66 billion allow R724 million to go unspent when basic healthcare services are lacking? How can an education department with a budget over R66 billion fail to use millions, leaving schools in townships struggling with overcrowding and infrastructure deficits?”
In their statement, the UAT painted a stark picture of Gauteng’s urgent requirements, emphasizing crumbling infrastructure across sectors. They pointed out neglected roads marred by potholes, frequent power disruptions impacting daily life and economic activities, as well as schools operating under substandard conditions due to inadequate funding for improvements.
According to TimesLIVE’s report detailing these developments, the returned funds were seen as missed opportunities that could have significantly improved living conditions in Gauteng. Instead of addressing pressing issues like road repairs and school upgrades, residents are left grappling with persistent challenges ranging from infrastructural deficiencies to high crime rates and job scarcity.
As reported by TimesLIVE, this issue underscores broader concerns about financial management within governmental institutions and raises pertinent questions about accountability and effective resource allocation strategies amid growing needs within communities.
