Premier Winde delivers budget vote speech for the Department of the Premier

“Department of the Premier receives 4.6% increased budget allocation which sees R40.039 mln allocated in 2022/23 to fighting cybercrime”

Today, the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, delivered the Budget Vote Speech for the Department of the Premier in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. The focus of the speech was on ‘driving innovation and collaboration within the Western Cape Government’.

During the speech, it was announced that the Department’s main budget allocation for 2022/23 will be R1.825 billion. “I am pleased to note that this is a 4.6% increase from the 2021/22 adjusted budget and will assist us in risk mitigation,” said Premier Winde.

This increased allocation has ensured that the allocations for risk mitigation over the medium-term will increase to R40.039 million in 2022/23. In 2023/24, the allocation will again increase to R80.980 million and in 2024/25, the allocation will be R71.492 million. A further R2.5 million has been allocated as a contingency, should external expertise be required.

Premier Winde explained: “By increasing our allocation towards risk mitigation, we will be able to prevent breaches and targeted cybercrimes. Cyber security breaches pose a significant to the Western Cape Government and residents who are becoming increasingly dependent on our digital channels. That is why information security has now been elevated to a provincial strategic risk.”

Premier Winde added: “During the past year alone, two significant cyber-attacks were successfully thwarted. We do, however, expect that this will increase due to a growing trend in cyber-attacks worldwide and we must ensure that we prevent breaches that would bring our government to a standstill, as seen during the attack on the Port of Cape Town – halting exports.”

In prioritising IT infrastructure, the Department’s Broadband Project will continue driving the delivery of high-speed network connectivity into rural areas. This, along with the free public wi-fi service, will ensure that vulnerable communities can bridge the digital divide. 

It was further announced that a feasibility study to the value of approximately R20 million is currently underway to determine how best to provide internet services to people.

“The feasibility study will be funded United States Trade and Development Agency. It will further bolster the Western Cape Government’s broadband infrastructure project by assessing the economic and technical viability of deploying new broadband infrastructure across the province. It will also assess potential ownership and operation models for future broadband deployments,” explained Premier Winde.

Premier Winde added: “Practically, this will empower those living in areas with limited internet access by enabling them to apply for work opportunities, study, research and improve their overall career prospects. I look forward to launching this innovative project this coming May.”

Some of the other budget announcements made include:

• The New Way of Work and Culture Change programmes have been allocated R4.3 million through the adjusted budget to promote a client-centred culture, innovation for impact, integrated service delivery, governance transformation, talent and staff development and transversal foresight.
• An allocation of R2 million has been made towards Kromme Rhee to fund innovation projects, especially the reconfiguration of the Provincial Treasury Instructions (PTI) and the establishment of an Innovation Hub.

• Through the Department’s Policy and Strategy Unit, we are commissioning research to map all current youth and youth-at-risk programmes offered in the province. The unit has been allocated R400 000 in 2022/23 for this project. The Unit is also working to pilot the VPI@Schools behavioural programme in schools to give young people the tools to regulate emotions, improve mental wellbeing and reduce violence. Up to R2 million has been earmarked in 2022/23 for the Programme.
• A total of R10.413 million has been allocated to this Children Commissioner’s office. Of which, R6.754 million has been allocated towards the compensation of employees, which includes an additional R1 million to fill posts – empowering this office further.
• We have seen concerning mental health statistics due to the pandemic, which is why we are continuing to prioritise our employees’ wellbeing. To address this, R3.261 million has been allocated for the 2022/23 financial year towards mental health services.
• To support local governments, we have earmarked funding for governance and legal advisory support to municipalities to promote stability following the 2021 municipal elections. This includes an allocation of R5 million for local government assistance, R2.5 million for legal advice and R2.5 million for forensic assistance.

In concluding, Premier Winde remarked: “I want to acknowledge the resilience shown by those working in the events, hospitality, tourism, and catering industries. You have taken a significant toll because of the hard lockdown and the ensuing regulations which have served only to cripple your industries. As a Provincial Government, we will continue to play our part in ensuring that you can bounce, stronger than ever. And our approach to supporting you will be guided by a culture of collaboration and innovation.”

The full speech can be read here: http://www.westerncape.gov.za/assets/departments/premier/vote_1_budget_speech_-_final.pdf

To watch Premier Winde’s speech, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cyqwESqcZo