To download the soundbite of Mr Mmusi Maimane, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Appropriations, click here:https://iono.fm/e/1482042.
Parliament, Tuesday, 17 September 2024 – Data pointing to accurate population figures, school enrolment and other demographic statistics must be cleaned up to ensure the equitable share formula remains consistent and fair. The committee met with the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC) and National Treasury to discuss the formula used to determine the Provincial and Local Government Equitable Share.
National Treasury said approximately 90 per cent of national transfers go to provinces, and the provincial equitable share remains the largest transfer. The FFC told the committee that certain data sets, such as income, mortality, fertility, and employment figures, have not been included in the release of data related to provinces. The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Mmusi Maimane, said, “Equitable share determines what is spent on education and health. Given the recent commentary on budget cuts, it’s important for the committee to work out a mechanism to ensure the efficacy of the funding allocated to provinces.”
The committee said the data is a crucial part of the budgeting process, as it ensures that government funds are directed towards delivering tangible benefits rather than being lost to institutional inefficacies or bureaucratic processes.
The committee will meet with Statistics South Africa tomorrow to discuss the entity’s budget allocations and how accurate data will shape future budget preparations.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, MR MMUSI MAIMANE.
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