KZN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT TABLES R3.6 BILLION BUDGET TO UPLIFT COMMUNITIES

By Thandeka Dlamini and Thuba Vilane.

• The R3.6 billion budget outlines significant investments in youth empowerment, child protection, and community development.
• Over 850 youth will receive skills training, and more than R1.2 billion is allocated to services for children and families.
• MEC Mbali Shinga reaffirmed the province’s commitment to restoring dignity and driving sustainable social change.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Ms Mbali Shinga, has tabled a R3.613 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year, reaffirming government’s resolve to tackle poverty, support the most vulnerable, and strengthen service delivery in communities across the province.
Presenting the budget at the Provincial Legislature, MEC Shinga said the allocation forms part of the 2025 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and is aligned to the National Development Plan and the province’s Medium-Term Development Plan for 2024-2029.
She paid tribute to icons of service and justice, including Dr Nelson Mandela and Mrs Zanele Magwaza-Msibi, and congratulated the department’s own Dr Sunshine Myende on her appointment as Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency.

Investing in Youth and Work Opportunities

The department will provide 565 Expanded Public Works Programme work opportunities and place 135 graduates in internships. A further 859 young people will receive vocational and life skills training across youth centres in six districts, including KwaDambuza and Wentworth.
MEC Shinga praised youth graduates like Msizi from Adams Mission and Shaheel from Phoenix, who found employment after training, and Siphesihle from Bergville, who now owns a construction business.

Boosting Social Welfare Services

Programme 2: Social Welfare Services was allocated R875 million. This includes R199 million for services for older persons, R174 million for people with disabilities, and R225.9 million for HIV and AIDS prevention interventions. An additional R27.5 million is earmarked for Social Relief of Distress in flood-affected areas.

Child Protection and Family Care

A total of R1.28 billion has been allocated to Programme 3: Children and Families. This includes R488.6 million for child care and protection, R313.5 million for CYCCs, R156.5 million for ECDs and partial care, and R124.2 million for community-based childcare services.

Fighting GBVF and Strengthening Support Services

Programme 4: Restorative Services received R463.4 million to support children in conflict with the law, roll out the Anti-Gang Strategy, and enhance GBVF response mechanisms. The Victim Empowerment Programme was allocated R113.8 million, while R118.7 million goes to substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation.
The department will also open a new Khuseleka One Stop Centre and establish a GBVF shelter in Zululand.

Supporting Community Development and Women’s Empowerment

Programme 5: Development and Research received R294.9 million, with R25.7 million directed towards community nutrition centres. Youth development will receive R42.5 million, while R15.3 million will support women’s empowerment initiatives. An additional R8.8 million is earmarked for NPO capacity building.

Administration and Governance

Programme 1: Administration received R695 million to finalise the 2025–2030 ICT Strategy, migrate to a new M&E system, and strengthen governance systems. The Department also continues to address R150 million in historic wage-related accruals with support from Provincial Treasury.
Programme Budget Summary (2025/26)
•⁠ ⁠Administration: R695.1 million
•⁠ ⁠Social Welfare Services: R875.3 million
•⁠ ⁠Children and Families: R1.284 billion
•⁠ ⁠Restorative Services: R463.4 million
•⁠ ⁠Development and Research: R294.9 million
•⁠ ⁠Total Budget: R3.613 billion

Looking Ahead

MEC Shinga closed with a message of gratitude and determination. She thanked the Provincial Executive Council, Treasury, Legislature, and departmental teams, led by Acting HOD Mrs Phindile Mhlongo, and called for collective action to deliver on the department’s mandate.
“As we move forward, may we draw inspiration from those who came before us and stay focused on the mission to transform lives, restore dignity, and build a brighter future for all,” she said.