​Thembisa Shologu
Gauteng MEC for Finance and e-Government, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on Thursday 19 November announced an additional  allocation of R1.3 billion to Gauteng's budget, a large portion of the funds is earmarked for  the Department of Education.
The education sector is set to receive  R1.1 billion, for the hiring of education assistants and to preserve posts in Quintile 4 and 5 public schools and low-income private schools, the balance will be directed towards job creation and job protection, particularly for the youth, as part of government's efforts to counter the adverse economic impact of COVID-19 in the province.
"Health receives R47.4 million in additional funding to appoint Enrolled and Assistant/Auxiliary Nurses," said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko  during the presentation of her 2020 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement.
"We have allocated R77.8 million to Social Development to provide salary top-ups for additional compliance support duties and for employment risk support. Roads and Transport has been allocated R45.5 million for job-creation through road maintenance," added MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
Due to the tough economic  times, which resulted in revenue shortfalls and increased pressure on public finances, Nkomo-Ralehoko increased the infrastructure budget of 2020/21 financial year by R80.8 million to R12.3 billion. 
"Gauteng is already working with the Infrastructure South Africa Agency in the Presidency and is planning to set up infrastructure investment to revive the provincial economy. This drive will eventually see black women and young people drawn into the thrust of the economy of the province. 
"The Gauteng Provincial Government continues to improve the ease of doing business in each sector in compliance with applicable lockdown regulations, work towards the development of a skilled workforce for each industry and build enabling infrastructure, including SEZs and industrial parks," she added. 
In addition, an amount of R51.1 million will be allocated to Agriculture and Rural Development, in order to provide support to the Emfuleni Local Municipality, particularly to  address the poor waste management services and fast-tracking service