President to Outline Strategic Priorities and Key Programmes in Budget Address

President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to present the 2025/26 Presidency Budget Vote before the National Assembly on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment for the 7th Administration to articulate its strategic focus and service delivery agenda for the coming financial year.

The annual Budget Vote process is a constitutional obligation that not only outlines how each department intends to spend its allocated resources, but also provides a platform for transparency, oversight, and accountability. For the Presidency—the highest office in the Executive—it is also an opportunity to align the nation’s most pressing priorities with financial planning and to evaluate progress on key government programmes.

A Budget Rooted in Three Strategic Priorities

The 2025/26 Presidency Budget Vote, according to an official statement from the Presidency, will centre on three overarching strategic objectives for the 7th Administration:

1. Promoting Inclusive Economic Growth and Job Creation The budget will aim to advance policies and initiatives that stimulate investment, expand infrastructure, and support industrialisation—particularly in underdeveloped areas—so that economic opportunities reach all South Africans.

2. Reducing Poverty and Improving Socio-Economic Outcomes Through targeted public spending, enhanced social programmes, and policy alignment, the Presidency seeks to tackle inequality and hardship, especially in communities hardest hit by unemployment and systemic deprivation.

3. Building a Capable, Ethical, and Developmental State Strengthening governance, modernising public service, and rooting out corruption form the backbone of this objective. The Presidency continues to emphasize institutional integrity and efficient service delivery as foundations of national development.

Flagship Programmes Driving National Transformation

President Ramaphosa’s address will reinforce the government’s commitment to several high-impact, cross-sectoral initiatives managed through the Presidency. These flagship programmes include:

• Operation Vulindlela: An interdepartmental programme aimed at fast-tracking structural reforms in energy, transport, digital infrastructure, and water services. It is a collaboration between the Presidency and the National Treasury and is seen as central to South Africa’s economic reform agenda.

• Presidential District Development Model (DDM): A policy framework for integrated planning and coordination across all levels of government. DDM ensures tailored development strategies at a district and municipal level, addressing local needs and promoting accountability.

• Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC): The PICC drives the roll-out of critical infrastructure projects, helping unlock job creation and stimulate local industries. It is tasked with aligning government and private sector efforts in infrastructure delivery.

These initiatives reflect the Presidency’s ambition to build a nation that works for all, with coordinated governance and measurable impact on the ground.

Oversight and Parliamentary Engagement

Following the President’s presentation, Members of Parliament will debate the proposed budget allocations, raising questions and highlighting concerns about programme performance, financial prudence, and implementation capacity. The session will conclude with President Ramaphosa’s reply, where he will address the key issues raised during the debate and reaffirm the executive’s commitment to accountability.

“The annual tabling of departmental Budget Votes is an accountability mechanism for Parliament and the public to monitor how government is working to implement its service delivery commitments against voted funds,” the Presidency stated.

As the apex institution of the Executive arm of the State, The Presidency plays a critical coordination and oversight role across all spheres of government. It supports both the President and Deputy President in executing their constitutional duties—including the advancement of social cohesion, nation-building, and upholding the rule of law.

Role of The Presidency in Governance

Beyond budgetary oversight, the Presidency is responsible for supervising key policy directions, intergovernmental coordination, and performance monitoring. It acts as a nerve centre for:

• Oversight of strategic programmes and presidential initiatives

• Monitoring performance across ministries and departments

• Ensuring alignment of national policy with development goals

• Upholding constitutional values and ethical leadership in governance

With this strategic mandate, The Presidency is uniquely positioned to drive transformative change across sectors—be it economic growth, public service reform, or social inclusion.

Charting a Way Forward

The 2025/26 Budget Vote comes at a time when South Africa continues to grapple with intersecting challenges—ranging from persistent unemployment and service delivery backlogs to institutional capacity constraints and global economic uncertainty.

President Ramaphosa’s address is expected to set the tone for a more resilient, ethical, and developmental government, with a strong emphasis on unlocking the nation’s potential through collaborative, well-coordinated, and community-focused governance.

In doing so, the Budget Vote will not only be a reflection of past performance but also a blueprint for national renewal—anchored on accountability, equity, and action.

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