However, in nominal terms, spending is R12.6 billion or 21.1 per cent more than for the same period last year when provinces had spent R59.7 billion. Between provinces, spending ranges from the lowest share of 22.9 per cent in Free State and 23.3 per cent in Northern Cape, to the highest at 27.2 per cent in Gauteng and 26.4 per cent in Eastern Cape.