Western Cape Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement 2011 | Western Cape Government

Western Cape Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement 2011

Provincial Treasury
(Western Cape Government)
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Summary
The Western Cape Government budget supports programmes that provide a wide range of services to its citizens. The Western Cape Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) sets out the budget priorities and plans for the next three years.

In these times of economic hardship and uncertainty, programmes that achieve the most impact for the most people will receive funding and this will result in building the province not only for today but for the future.

Economic Outlook

Growing the economy and increasing employment levels is a main challenge facing this government. The Western Cape economy is expected to grow by an average of 4.2% between 2011 and 2015. Employment is stable at around 1.8 million individuals over the past year but the Western Cape's unemployment rate of 23.3% remains. The provincial economy is affected by what happens in our export markets and trading partners in Europe and the US.

Current economic fears in Europe and the US and the impact of the recession mean moderate global economic growth. However, the outlook seems positive but risks such as higher inflation will remain.

Over the next three years, the Western Cape Government will focus on these key areas:

To stimulate economic growth and jobs, the Western Cape Government will:

  • Invest in infrastructure such as schools, health facilities, roads and other projects.
  • Remove red tape and barriers to business opportunities.
  • Establish the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership with all the Western Cape's economic role players.
  • Focus on skills development.
  • Grow the agricultural sector through research and improved market access.
  • Promote sustainable growth through programmes such as pollution and waste management and climate change.
  • Improve the performance of the public sector to offer more and better quality services for less.

To improve health and education, the Western Cape Government will:

  • Improve efficiencies in the health and education systems.
  • Focus on child and maternal health, TB, HIV and AIDS interventions, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles.
  • Increase literacy and numeracy levels and matric pass rates.

To reduce poverty and promote social inclusion, the Western Cape Government will:

  • Expand access to Early Childhood Development.
  • Focus on after-school care programmes at the Mass Opportunity and Development Centres for children in poorer areas.
  • Increase support to older persons, persons with disabilities and victims of violence and crime.
  • Focus on inclusive housing opportunities and upgrade human settlements.
  • Reduce drug- and alcohol-related crimes, interpersonal violence and poor road traffic behaviour.

Comments on this term's Western Cape Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement can be sent to WesternCape.Treasury@pgwc.gov.za.

Additional Information:

The content on this page was last updated on 15 March 2014