It is my privilege to present the Budget Vote for the Department of Roads and Transport for the 2026/27 financial year.
This budget is tabled at a time when our province, like the rest of the country, continues to face significant fiscal constraints. Yet despite these pressures, we remain firmly committed to delivering on our mandate: to maintain, improve and expand a road and transport network that supports economic growth, enhances mobility and improves the quality of life for the people of Gauteng.
Over the 2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, the Department has been allocated a total baseline budget of R27.8 billion. This includes R10.203 billion in 2026/27, R8.722 billion in 2027/28 and R8.862 billion in 2028/29.
While these allocations reflect a constrained fiscal environment, they provide us with the means to focus on what matters most, maintaining our existing road network, implementing priority infrastructure projects and improving public transport services.
Infrastructure Investment: Unlocking Growth
Honourable Members,
Road infrastructure is not merely about tar and asphalt. It is a critical economic enabler. It connects people to opportunities, businesses to markets and communities to essential services. Strategic investment in roads unlocks economic growth, improves freight efficiency and reduces congestion across our province.
At the same time, we recognise that the most cost-effective investment we can make is preserving the infrastructure we already have. For this reason, our budget deliberately balances targeted new construction with the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure.
Maintenance remains our single biggest priority.
Over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, R1.466 billion has been allocated specifically for maintenance and repairs, with R940.6 million set aside for the 2026/27 financial year alone.
This investment will fund critical activities including pothole patching, resealing, bridge rehabilitation, stormwater repairs, road signage, lighting and the installation of guardrails.
We emphasise preventative maintenance because it is significantly more cost-effective than allowing roads to deteriorate to the point where complete reconstruction becomes necessary. Every rand invested in maintenance today saves substantially more in future rehabilitation costs.
Alongside maintenance, we continue to advance several major road construction and upgrade projects across Gauteng. These include:
- K155 (Modderfontein Road)
- K175 (R568) in Bronkhorstpruit
- P122 in Centurion
- K60 (Sections 2, 3 and 4)
- R82 Phase 3 in Walkerville
- P73 (Golden Highway)
- K31 (Beyers Naudé Corridor)
- Sebokeng Driver Licence Testing Centre
These projects have been carefully selected to reduce congestion, improve road safety and stimulate economic activity in strategic growth corridors. Importantly, they are distributed across all regions of the province to ensure equitable infrastructure investment.
I am pleased to report that many of these projects are already under construction, rehabilitation or in advanced planning stages. Others will commence during the 2026/27 financial year as procurement processes are finalised.
To support this work, the Department is strengthening project management capacity to ensure timely delivery, improved oversight and value for money.
Job Creation: Infrastructure that works for people
Honourable Members,
Roads and transport infrastructure development is inherently labour-intensive. This provides us with a valuable opportunity to tackle unemployment while stimulating local economies.
Through the Expanded Public Works Programme, the Department continues to implement maintenance and construction projects using labour-intensive methods wherever feasible.
This approach creates meaningful employment opportunities for local communities, particularly youth, women and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
In doing so, we are not only building roads, but we are also building livelihoods.
Road Safety
Honourable Speaker,
Road safety remains one of our highest priorities as we work to build a transport system that is not only efficient, but one that protects the lives of our people.
Every life lost on our roads is one too many.
For this reason, the Department is intensifying the implementation of its Road Safety Strategy through targeted law enforcement operations, ongoing public education and awareness campaigns, and continuous improvements to infrastructure design.
The Department continues to ensure that our roads are both smart and safe through the upgrading of old bridges in Tshwane, Mogale City and Sedibeng.
Construction has also commenced on the R59 pedestrian bridge in Meyerton to provide safer crossing for pedestrians along this high-traffic route.
Furthermore, we are refocusing our efforts on the rehabilitation of the provincial road network, which spans approximately 5 592 kilometres, to ensure that both surfaced and unsurfaced roads remain safe and free from defects for motorists and non-motorised transport users.
Working closely with municipalities, traffic authorities and community stakeholders, we are concentrating interventions in high-risk areas while investing in smart technologies to better monitor, regulate and manage traffic flow.
Our budget reflects a firm commitment to these interventions because safer roads are fundamental to building a thriving, mobile and inclusive Gauteng.
Transport Operations
An amount of R3.2 billion has been allocated to ensure the seamless functioning of public transport services across Gauteng.
The Department currently manages 16 subsidised bus contracts, comprising 15 negotiated contracts and one tendered contract.
These services operate across the three metropolitan municipalities. There are seven in the City of Johannesburg, five in the City of Tshwane and one in the City of Ekurhuleni as well as three services within the Sedibeng District Municipality.
The negotiated contracts are valid for a seven-year period from 1 July 2023 until 30 June 2030. The Meyerton Tender Contract, which commenced on 1 May 2021, will remain operational until 30 April 2028.
To improve oversight and operational efficiency, all subsidised bus services utilise an electronic monitoring system that tracks kilometre operations and provides real-time information on contract performance.
The Department has been allocated a once-off R30 million to improve scholar transport services in Gauteng in partnership with Gauteng Department of Education
Transport Authority of Gauteng
Protecting Public Infrastructure
Honourable Speaker,
Honourable Speaker,
Safer roads in terms of our network, are the backbone of a resilient transport system which is a key stimulant of the economy. Safer roads are not only about cost but, rather a return on investment as they are key to the prevention of accidents, optimised traffic flows and the seamless movement of people and goods to various destinations.
Additionally, the roads that we build and maintain, including related appurtenances, are not only pathways of mobility, but rather corridors of safety, resilience and reliability.
A major and recurring pressure on the Department’s budget is the continuous repair and replacement of public road infrastructure that is repeatedly vandalised, stolen or damaged shortly after installation or repair.
Traffic signals remain among the most affected assets. Significant amounts are spent repairing traffic lights damaged through collisions, vandalism, cable theft and theft of signal components.
In many instances, infrastructure repaired at public expense is damaged again within a short period, creating an unsustainable cycle of expenditure that diverts funding away from infrastructure expansion and broader service delivery priorities.
The same challenge affects guardrails and road safety barriers, which are frequently stolen for scrap metal, damaged in accidents or repurposed for other uses, including livestock enclosures in some communities.
This, not only places financial strain on the Department, but also compromises road safety and increases risks for motorists and pedestrians.
The costs extend beyond repairs alone. There are indirect costs associated with traffic congestion, increased accidents, delays in logistics and public transport movement, and increased pressure on maintenance teams.
To address these challenges, the Department will prioritise:
- Stronger enforcement against infrastructure theft and vandalism through closer coordination with law enforcement agencies and municipalities;
- Expansion of smart monitoring systems and rapid response capabilities;
- Stricter penalties for the illegal scrap metal trade linked to stolen public infrastructure; and
- Public awareness campaigns encouraging communities to protect public assets.
Every rand spent repeatedly repairing vandalised infrastructure is a rand unavailable for expanding roads, improving transport systems or enhancing service delivery to Gauteng residents.
Protecting public infrastructure must therefore become both a shared societal responsibility and a fiscal priority.
In view of the importance of infrastructure in the economic life of our Province, there is a strong need to protect same from damage, theft and vandalism, among others. Our infrastructure, inclusive of roads, bridges and related furniture, call for stringent measures to secure and protect.
Honourable Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Gauteng Transport Authority (TAG) is working with various stakeholders, including SASRIA and Law enforcement to realise the provisions of the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act, not only for the protection of infrastructure, but the recovery of costs related to damages. These initiatives will require investment in smart technology to enable real-time surveillance and possible prevention from vandalism and damage.
Madam Speaker, we believe that, it is these interventions that will build public trust and confidence in Leadership valuing lives over short-term savings.
Integrated Transport Planning and Development
To strengthen our structured roll-out approach on the broader infrastructure planning and development, the TAG, within its legislative mandate, has also completed the ITMP25 and the Strategic Transport Plan as mandated by the GTA Act. For the first time TAG is developing an Integrated Implementation Plan to consolidate infrastructure investment programmes as planned by the Province, Municipalities and other transport entities.
Integrated Transport Master Plan (ITMP25)
In November 2024, the Department convened a two-day workshop at Maropeng to review the Integrated Transport Master Plan (ITMP25).
Nearly 200 stakeholders participated, including planners, legislators, transport agencies, industry associations and researchers.
This broad participation was intentional. A master plan shaped only by government remains a government document. A master plan shaped collectively by the sector becomes a true roadmap for the future.
The ITMP25 envisions a seamlessly integrated transport system founded on efficiency, accessibility, safety and economic inclusion.
It integrates public transport, smart infrastructure, freight logistics and non-motorised transport alternatives.
Its ambition is to build a Gauteng that works for everyone, not only those with private vehicles.
Achieving this vision requires integrated decision-making across municipalities, provincial government, national departments and private operators. While coordination is not always easy, it remains non-negotiable.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that TAG, in collaboration with Municipalities and other key stakeholders, is already spearheading the adoption by the Transport sector, of the TOD framework that is pronounced in the ITMP25, with the focus being on Multimodal facilities to improve access and the quality of service.
Sustainable Transport Strategy
Madam Speaker,
We also recognise that Transport is a driver of economic growth and, consequently, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. TAG is also developing a sustainable transport strategy as a blueprint to ensure a balance between mobility needs and climate imperatives. Once adopted, the strategy is poised to accelerate clean energy by leveraging on and scaling various technologies in the market. This intervention will certainly require investment in related infrastructure to ensure accessibility and adaption by key stakeholders within the Transport fraternity.
Gauteng- Limpopo Rail
Following the undertaking and conclusion of a Concept Study for the Gauteng-Limpopo Rail Link Project in September 2023, there has been further development of the project to date, which includes alignment between the National Department of Transport and the two provinces on the how this project can be taken further.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been developed by the Legal Services in the Office of the Premier to among others, define the roles and responsibilities for all parties that are involved in the development of this project.
Once approved and signed by the Gauteng and Limpopo Premiers, as well as the National Minister of Transport, the project plan and related milestones against which the project will be measured will be defined and implemented accordingly.
Gautrain
Sixteen years after its launch, the Gautrain has become far more than the rapid rail system that first captured the world’s attention ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
What began as a bold infrastructure project has evolved into a central part of life in Gauteng, connecting millions of people to work, education, business, leisure and opportunities.
To date the Gautrain has marked a significant milestone, with more than 216 million passenger trips since inception, with its passenger base remarkably diverse.
We continue to ensure that this system that belongs to the people of Gauteng, serves all our communities. Just over a year ago, we launched the Gautrain KlevaMova affordability product, offering qualifying passengers a 50% discount on train fares. The product supports households earning R350 000 or less annually, as well as scholars, pensioners and SASSA disability grant recipients.
The response has been significant. KlevaMova now accounts for approximately 11% of all Gautrain passenger trips, highlighting strong demand for affordable public transport options.
We are happy to report to the house that during the financial year 2025/26, the Gautrain passenger trips totaled 8 547 328, which is a significant increase of 8.74%, when compared to a decrease of 0,50% during the same period in 2024/25.
Post-2026 Gautrain Project
We have made significant progress in implementing the Post-2026 Gautrain Project.
The procurement process has been completed, and a Preferred Bidder has been appointed to assume operations of the Gautrain under a new concession agreement.
Negotiations with the Preferred Bidder have been concluded and are currently undergoing the necessary provincial and national approval processes.
This process aims to ensure a smooth transition from the current operator to the Successor Concessionaire, which is expected to commence operations at the end of September 2026.
Through this continued partnership between government and the private sector, the Gautrain will continue delivering passenger service excellence while also undergoing further modernisation.
Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network (GRRIN) Extensions
The proposed Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network extensions form part of the province’s 25-Year Integrated Transport Master Plan, which identifies passenger rail as the backbone of a modern, efficient and inclusive transport system.
Without expanding this backbone, Gauteng risks entrenching congestion, spatial inequality and long-term economic inefficiency.
While approval processes continue, preparatory work has progressed, including route determination processes undertaken in line with the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act.
The Preliminary Route Alignment Study for Phase 1 was completed, enabling route determination in May 2022.
The study was published for public comment on 26 February 2025 and closed on 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 6(3)(c) of the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act.
The Final Route Determination Report was subsequently finalised and published in the Government Gazette on 24 March 2026, together with detailed plans and relevant regulatory measures.
We have therefore officially determined the route for the Soweto Extension and Cosmo City Junction of the proposed GRRIN extensions in accordance with Section 6 of the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act.
Number Plate Project
During the 2023/24 financial year, the Department successfully developed a prototype for the new number plate system.
Between the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years, we piloted the new system using 300 government vehicles. The pilot process concluded in March 2026.
The pilot process identified several system limitations requiring further technical improvements. As a result, the broader rollout will only resume once these limitations have been addressed and the necessary national legislative and regulatory processes have been finalised by the relevant executive and legislative authorities.
Accountability and Delivery
Honourable Speaker,
We are acutely aware that public trust depends not only on what we deliver, but on how we deliver it.
For this reason, the Department continues to strengthen financial controls, improve contract management and enhance project planning across all programmes.
We are committed to ensuring that every rand allocated to us translates into visible service delivery on the ground.
Where there is non-performance or non-compliance, there will be consequence management.
Accountability is not optional. It is fundamental to good governance.
Conclusion
Honourable Speaker,
The message of this budget is simple. It is about fixing what is broken, maintaining what we have and building where it matters most.
It is about supporting economic recovery, creating jobs and ensuring safer roads for all Gauteng residents.
It is about making difficult choices in a constrained fiscal environment while remaining firmly focused on delivering tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.
We do not underestimate the challenges before us. But we are confident that through disciplined planning, effective implementation and an unwavering commitment to service delivery, meaningful progress will be achieved.
I therefore call on all our stakeholders including public representatives, communities, contractors and officials to work with us to ensure the success of this programme.
Together, we can build a road and transport system that not only meets the needs of today but lays a strong foundation for the future.
In closing, Honourable Speaker, this budget is not merely a technical exercise of numbers. It is a clear political statement of intent.
It reaffirms this government’s commitment to placing the safety, dignity and mobility of our people at the centre of development.
Through this budget, we are strengthening enforcement, investing in safer infrastructure and deepening partnerships across all spheres of government and society.
These are not abstract interventions. They are concrete actions aimed at saving lives, restoring confidence in our transport system and protecting the future of our province.
We must not be judged by the size of our plans, but by their impact on the lived reality of our people with fewer crashes, fewer fatalities and safer roads.
Mo tekanyetsong eno, a re seke ra gopolwa ka mafoko fela, mme ka ditiro tsa rona, ka matshelo a re a bolokileng le polokesego e re e tliseditseng batho ba Gauteng mo ditseleng tsa rona.
That is the commitment we make today.
SUPPLIED.
