Starting on Thursday, May 11th, 2023, the Portfolio Committees of Gauteng Legislature will hold public meetings across the province to comprehensively review the budgets of Provincial Government Departments for the 2023/24 financial year. These meetings aim to create an open and transparent platform for Gauteng residents to participate actively, express their opinions, and ask questions, which is a crucial component of the Legislature’s mission to involve the public in legislative processes.
Importance of Public Engagement
Public engagement in the budgetary process is crucial for reflecting the needs and priorities of communities accurately in budget allocations. This collaborative approach promotes accountability and strengthens democracy, leading to improved service delivery and a better quality of life for Gauteng residents.
Comprehensive Evaluation
To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, individual departments will be paired with different committees that will meticulously scrutinize their budgets and plans. These committees will prompt critical questions to justify the allocation of funds, aiming to determine if the budgets and spending align with the service delivery masterplan of Gauteng, as announced by Premier Panyaza Lesufi in his 2023 State of the Province Address (SOPA). Budget scrutiny serves as an indispensable tool for committees to assess the effectiveness of the province’s financial plans.
Public Participation
During the public meetings, residents will have the opportunity to voice their concerns and provide input on the proposed budget allocations. This feedback will contribute to the overall evaluation process, ensuring that the budgetary decisions are informed by the collective wisdom of the community.
Media Coverage
The media has been invited to attend and cover these public meetings, with further information available in the attached documents. To access the necessary documents and programs for the committee public meetings, interested parties can visit the GPL website at https://www.gpl.gov.za/public-hearings-budget-vote-process/. Members of the media who wish to attend in person or schedule interviews can contact the respective committee communications officers as per the above table.
By fostering transparency and open dialogue, these public meetings exemplify the Gauteng Government’s commitment to creating opportunities for public participation in the legislative process. This collaborative approach empowers residents by giving them a voice in budgetary decisions while encouraging government departments to be more accountable, transparent, and efficient in their use of public funds. The public meetings initiated by the Portfolio Committees of Gauteng Legislature represent a significant step towards promoting a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance, ultimately leading to a more responsive and accountable government that better serves the needs of its constituents.
