By Emily Setona
BLOEMFONTEIN – Free State Finance MEC Ketso Makume has tabled a R47.9 billion 2026/27 budget focused on clean governance, job creation and easing the cost of living.
Speaking after delivering the budget at Bloemfontein City Hall on 17 March, Makume said the plan prioritises accountability, economic recovery and better service delivery.
“We must intensify efforts to curb unauthorised, irregular and wasteful spending,” he said.
He announced tighter financial controls, probes into past expenditure and stricter cost-containment.To ease pressure on households and small businesses, Makume stressed the importance of paying suppliers on time.
“Prompt payment is both a legal duty and vital for economic sustainability, especially for small enterprises,” he said.
Frontline services will receive the bulk of funding to ensure delivery reaches communities.
On unemployment, especially among youth and graduates, Makume said growth must translate into jobs, with infrastructure investment central to the plan.
“Infrastructure remains key to driving growth and creating employment,” he said, citing spending on roads, agriculture and public works.
He added that inclusive growth is critical.
“No entrepreneur must be left behind and no community excluded from prosperity,” Makume said.
