October 2016 | by IBP South Africa and UNICEF
These short and reader-friendly advocacy tools are based on sound and rigorous analysis of South Africa’s government budget in sectors relevant to children. They aim to expand the debate around social sector budgets and help shape a more child-centred, transparent, participatory, and equitable pattern of public spending in South Africa.
The briefs cover the key social sectors of education, health, and social development alongside a shorter “macro” brief that describes the government budget structure and processes as a whole, how the three key sectors fit within it, and how funds flow between national and provincial budgets.
IBP South Africa partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to develop these briefs as part of a broader UNICEF initiative which aims to have similar briefs developed in as many African countries as possible.
Downloads
- Children and South Africa’s Health Budget
This brief looks at health budgets. It first presents and describes a set of key indicators. It then describes the structure of provincial budgets and, in particular, how one can identify funding for children’s needs. This is followed by discussion of resourcing, accessibility, and use of health services, and more detailed discussion of HIV and AIDS and nutrition.
Download » - Children and South Africa’s Education Budget
This brief looks at education budgets. It first presents and describes a set of key indicators. It then describes the structure of provincial budgets and source of funds. This is followed by discussion on budgeting for the foundation years, teachers, teaching and learning support materials, Grade R, and infrastructure.
Download » - Children and South Africa’s Social Development Budget
This brief looks at social developments budgets. It first presents and describes a set of key indicators. It then discusses how much provinces allocate for children’s services, and budgeting for prevention and early intervention services, early child development services, non-profit organizations that deliver children’s services, and child grants.
Download » - Children and the South African Budget: The Macro Picture
This brief presents the macro picture of government budgets in South Africa. It first presents and describes a set of key indicators. It then describes how national, provincial and municipal budgets are funded, and the transfers between the three spheres. The brief then highlights what proportions the three key sectors – education, health and social assistance and welfare – constitute of the combined national and provincial budgets. Finally, there is a short description of the budget process.
Download » - Children and the South African Budget: Key Messages
This presentation outlines key messages related to children and South Africa’s budget.
Download »