19 February 2004

Delivering his Budget speech in Cape Town on Wednesday, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel said that health spending over the next three years would total R140-billion, while spending on fighting Aids would be boosted by R2.1-billion over the same period.

An additional R19.7-billion over the next three years will be allocated to the provinces to meet commitments in social services and other provincial functions including housing, roads, transport and other infrastructure, Manuel said.

In 2004/05, R195.4-billion of nationally raised revenue - about 62% of national revenue, after debt servicing - will be transferred to provincial and local governments for delivery of improved services to all South Africans.

The provinces are expected to spend R65-billion on education, R41-billion on health, and R48-billion on social grants and welfare services in the 2004/05 financial year, Manuel told Parliament.

Pension, disability and social grants will increase from April through these allocations to the provinces, Manuel added, with old age pension and disability grants increasing from R700 to R740 and child support grants from R160 to R170 a month.

Source: BuaNews

	South Africa Inc. – 10 years on Social development Treasury advances growth Well-regulated economy

	National Budget 2004  Budget breakdown: Grant Thornton  National Treasury

BUDGET 2004/05 R4bn in tax relief Economy ready to grow: Manuel Budgeting for social delivery R15bn for infrastructure projects R1.9bn more for policing, justice Extra R1bn for higher education

MEDIUM TERM BUDGET 2003-06 SA a great place to be: Manuel SA budgets R12bn to fight Aids R3bn for higher education revamp More money for social grants Manuel commends Reserve Bank