This is according to World Vison South Africa, a global advocacy and social development organisation.
"The increased spending on social infrastructure which includes health, education and community facilities sends a positive message. It is encouraging that priority will be given to eradicate school infrastructure backlogs as well the refurbishment of clinics and hospitals," says Stanley Maphosa, Advocacy and External Engagements advisor at World Vision SA.
Gordhan increased social infrastructure spending from R30bn in 2012/13 to R43bn in 2016/17. Similarly, R145.7bn has been allocated to the health department for the 2014/15 budget. Of this amount, R52.3bn is for district health services, R26.7bn for provincial services and R24.3bn for central health services.
"The increase in the health budget - up from last year's R133bn - indicates that government continues to place an emphasis on increasing life expectancy and providing access to treatment of life threatening diseases such as HIV/Aids. However, it is especially the reduction of infant, child and maternal mortality which will benefit from a significant health budget for the country," he adds.
The budget allocated towards education has been welcomed by numerous organisations and NGOs including World Vision. "R253.8bn would contribute significantly towards ensuring the children gain the necessary access to proper education that will in turn narrow the skills gap in South Africa. Access to education plays an imperative role in the future of our children," concludes Maphosa.
