Velisubuhle Buti transforms Public Finance in South Africa

As South Africa continues to grapple with complex challenges including high crime rates and pervasive corruption in different areas of Public Service, an Australia Awards alumnus, Velisubuhle Buti’s stands as a beacon of effective leadership and a role model for future public servants. Having studied a Master of Public Policy in Australia from 2018 to 2019 at the Australian National University, he returned to South Africa armed with new knowledge and skills to tackle key issues within the Public Finance Division of the National Treasury.In his capacity as a Director, Velisubuhle’s impact can be felt throughout South Africa in unexpected ways. He navigates complex budgetary challenges while analysing budgetary proposals from various government departments and agencies which is not a small feat. He monitors their financial performance and contributes to the development of relevant policies for economic development in the country, which trickles down and impacts the lives of everyday South Africans. One of Velisubuhle’s innumerable contributions lies in his leadership on projects such as the review of fleet services of the Police Service. Through meticulous analysis, he pinpointed inefficiencies and proposed strategies to optimise resource allocation, directly impacting over 100,000 personnel. This has seen South Africa almost match the global standard of police-to-population ratio, even with the population in South Africa growing by 7.6 million people between 2013/2014 and 2023/2024.

Through his study in Australia, Velisubuhle experienced significant forward strides in his professional development. He acquired advanced policy analysis skills, data analysis, and performance measurement skills as well as negotiation and conflict resolution skills among others, that have propelled his career forward in new and exciting ways. Velisubuhle advocates for budgets in crucial areas that bolster law enforcement capabilities, combat corruption and enhance service delivery, particularly within the South African Police Service.

“My vision for the future is a safer and more secure South Africa for all its citizens. This can only be achieved by identifying the root causes of societal problems and advocating for funding to address those key issues”, says Mr Buti.

While tackling key challenges such as crime, Velisubuhle advocates for strengthening police capacity to conduct thorough investigations. He advocated for additional resources from the government to enlist 20,000 police officers in the past two years to improve police visibility and build safer communities. In the Budget 2023, his office supported an allocation of R27.5 million (USD 1.4 million) to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to enhance support for victims of gender-based violence. This was implemented by appointing additional employees in the Thuthuzela Care Centers, who are able to provide support to victims of sexual violence. The additional personnel include Coordinators, Victim Assistant Officers, and State Advocates.

Yet, Velisubuhle’s impact transcends his individual achievements. Through networking that is indispensable to his inter-departmental work, he has proven that promoting collaboration and information sharing among law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders can help identify and address systemic issues related to crime and corruption. He firmly believes that strengthening governance structures, such as oversight bodies and anti-corruption agencies will help in the prevention and detection of corruption and other illicit activities.

Velisubuhle’s journey reflects resilience and commitment, from his early days as an intern in 2011 to his current role as a leading figure in Public Finance. Now armed with a Master of Public Policy his dedication to excellence continues to drive positive change, fostering a more prosperous and secure future for South Africa. Far from satisfied with his current achievements, he seeks opportunities within his sphere of influence to further contribute to other development initiatives in South Africa such as poverty reduction, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.