LEAP gets R1.14 billion boost

THE Western Cape government has allocated R8.595 billion towards safety initiatives over the next three years as violent crime, gang shootings and gender-based violence continue to affect communities across Cape Town and the province.

- LILITA GCWABE

Presenting the 2026 provincial budget, Finance MEC Deidré Baartman said the funding forms part of the province's strategy to tackle violent crime through policing support and social interventions addressing the root causes of violence.

"Supporting our safety policy priority, we will allocate R8.595 billion for safety in the 2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)," Baartman said.