The peace and security cluster has been allocated R765 billion in the 2024 budget to fight crime and corruption. Tabling the last budget speech of the sixth administration in a sitting of the National Assembly at the Cape Town City Hall, Finance Minister Mr Enoch Godongwana said the government will continue prioritising fighting crime and corruption with a focus on enhancing law enforcement agencies.
“A total of R765 billion is allocated to the peace and security cluster, in the coming financial year; 10 000 new police recruits will be trained,” he promised.
Meanwhile, as part of the country’s responsibility to promote regional peace and stability, this budget will also allocate funding for the deployment of soldiers in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Minister also mentioned that work was ongoing to cost and identify the needs for these critical missions and will continue throughout the year; funding will be allocated as needed.
Furthermore, R628 million has been allocated to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for the implementation of the Financial Action Task Force and State Capture Commission recommendations bringing the total funding to these efforts to R2.3 billion.
The government is also using R2.9 billion from the Criminal Asset Recovery Account to combat illegal mining and other priority crimes, with 60 per cent allocated for police deployments, including vehicle procurement. “This budget is also prioritising infrastructure provision. Government plans to invest more than R943 billion in public infrastructure. The spending will support the refurbishment and maintenance of existing assets and the building of new infrastructure”, the Minister said.
Sakhile Mokoena
22 February 2024
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