South Africa has increased spending on peace and security.
Image: Phando Jikelo / Independent Newspapers
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana announced increased spending on peace and security during his National Budget Speech on Wednesday.
This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address, in which he announced the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) alongside the police to combat illegal mining and gangsterism.
To support the SANDF deployment and intensify law enforcement, spending on peace and security is set to rise from R268.2 billion in 2025/26 to R291.2 billion in 2028/29. The Border Management Authority will receive an additional R990 million over the medium term to build capacity, including filling 738 positions.
A further R2.7 billion has been allocated to defence over the medium term to improve operations, including maintaining the South African Air Force’s fighter capability. The police service and the SANDF will each receive an additional R1 billion through the CARA fund to combat organised crime.
Over the medium term, R883.8 million will be transferred from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to the Office of the Chief Justice. An additional R687 million has also been allocated to expand capacity in the judiciary.
“This will enable the Office of the Chief Justice to manage its own budgets, enhancing its independence from the Executive from 1 April,” Godongwana said. “Similar arrangements for the funding of Parliament are being undertaken in the spirit of separation of powers.”
President Ramaphosa also announced the establishment of specialised courts. Once the costing is finalised, allocations for these courts will be considered later in the year. Funding will also be provided for various commissions of inquiry currently underway, once their costs are clarified.
IOL Business