By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
3 July 2025- The Minister in Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said she presented the Budget Vote 14: Statistics South Africa for the financial year 2025/2026 and the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) period, as they start with the work of the 7th administration in earnest.
Ntshavheni said after the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana tabled the annual budget in compliance with the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, Section 27 and sub-section 4 provides that “when the annual budget is introduced to the National Assembly, the accounting officer for each department must submit to parliament measurable objectives for each main division within the department’s vote.”
She further said the Statistician-General has complied with provisions of sub-section 4 and the Portfolio Committee of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, having considered the Strategic Plan and Annual Work plan of the StatsSA, it is her honour to table the Budget Vote 14: Statistics South Africa.
Ntshavheni added that the MTEF allocation is R2.77 billion in 2025/26; and R 2.91 billion and R3.04 billion in the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years respectively, which is an average growth rate of 4,7%.
“The main divisions of Vote 14 are, MTEF allocation 2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28, Administration 742,7 779,1 and 814,3. Economic Statistics 310,5 325,0 and 339,7. Population and Social Statistics 307,7 322,8 337,4
Methodology and Statistical Infrastructure 166,1 174,0 181,8.
“Statistical Support and Informatics 306,7 322,3 336,9
Statistical Operations and Provincial Coordination 889,2 931,6 973,8. South African National Statistics System 48,4 50,8 53,1. Total expenditure estimates 2 771,3 2 905,6 3 037,0. We request parliament to support the budget vote 14 of Statistics South Africa,” she said.
Ntshavheni said it is important to support this budget vote because they are navigating a path in a world that is undergoing rapid and profound changes and this is equally true in the realm of statistics. She said global fundamental shifts are reshaping every aspect of human life, from the escalating impact of climate change to the swift advancements in artificial intelligence, the rise of digital economies, changing social dynamics, and global geopolitical tensions.
“In a world defined by rapid change, complex challenges, and competing narratives, official statistics provide us with one constant: the truth, told in numbers. They serve as a mirror through which a nation sees itself—not just how it is, but how it is evolving.
“From economic performance and health outcomes to education levels and environmental conditions, statistics are the evidence base upon which sound decisions are made. By accurately capturing and analyzing these trends, we can better equip ourselves to respond to the challenges and opportunities they present, ensuring that our nation remains resilient and forward-thinking in this ever-evolving landscape,” said Ntshavheni.
She said therefore, StatsSA must be able to measure these changes in a dynamic but yet verifiable manner. Ntshavheni said in this rapidly evolving digital and data-driven world, Stats SA remains unwavering in its commitment to the strategy of ‘Improving Lives Through Data Ecosystems.
“As the landscape of information technology and data analytics continues to transform, our focus is on harnessing the power of data to enhance the well-being of our citizens. Stats SA has commenced with the development of a digital business transformation strategy to guide the achievement of ambitious business goals enabled by technology.
“This strategy will align to “South Africa’s roadmap for digital transformation of government” that aims, amongst others, to enhance data exchange for improved access to information for improved service delivery,” she said.
The Guardian 