The City of Tshwane’s draft budget, recently tabled for public comment by ActionSA Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya and her multi-party coalition, marks a pivotal shift from the failed practices of previous administrations.
Not only is this the first fully funded Tshwane budget tabled since 2021, but it also strikes a careful balance between supporting vulnerable residents and restoring fiscal discipline. Overtaxed residents and the most destitute have been prioritised in a draft budget which meets all needs.
The City’s efforts to shield residents from excessive tariff increases beyond inflation are a welcome development. Both electricity and water tariffs have been kept below the increases proposed by Eskom and Rand Water, with the City absorbing the additional costs.
Most importantly, the City should be commended for reducing property rates by a full 4% in light of the new valuations roll. This stands in stark contrast to the failing GNU national budget, which will dig deeper into the pockets of South Africans to fund its excesses.
The positive impact of this draft budget extends beyond concerned ratepayers. Over 180 000 of the most vulnerable households now have access to an expanded “Basic Basket of Services”, which includes a 100% property rates rebate, 12kl of free water, 100 kilowatt-hours of free electricity, among other provisions.
In addition to providing relief to ratepayers and enhancing social support for indigent households, this budget allocates essential resources for critical service delivery. Key investments include:
– R482 million in funds prepaid meters, new connections, and substation upgrades
– R579 million in funds for BRT infrastructure, road resurfacing, and flood mitigation
– R515 million in funds for reservoir extensions and wastewater treatment upgrades
– R466 million in funds for bulk services, stormwater drainage, and access roads
We also welcome the City’s decision to fund the employment of 200 additional TMPD officers. While this increase in capacity may seem modest, it is a necessary first step toward enhancing efforts to reclaim the capital and restore the rule of law.
To address excessive waste and bolster internal capacity, the draft budget outlines savings of over R200 million in contracted services, alongside a proposed R300 million fund to fill service delivery-related positions.
Whilst ActionSA welcomes this carefully considered budget, we recognise that it is not a silver bullet. Fixing Tshwane will require a series of sound decisions and excellence in executing this budget over time. However, this draft budget serves as the foundation from which Mayor Moya and her coalition team will expand dependable and effective service delivery to all residents.
We are optimistic that the measures outlined in this budget represent significant progress in reversing the poor governance that residents have endured for years.
Tshwane Draft Budget: A Commendable Triple Balance Between Sustainable Rates, Financial Stability & Social Support
The City of Tshwane’s draft budget, recently tabled for public comment by ActionSA Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya and her multi-party coalition, marks a pivotal shift from the failed practices of previous administrations.
Not only is this the first fully funded Tshwane budget tabled since 2021, but it also strikes a careful balance between supporting vulnerable residents and restoring fiscal discipline. Overtaxed residents and the most destitute have been prioritised in a draft budget which meets all needs.
The City’s efforts to shield residents from excessive tariff increases beyond inflation are a welcome development. Both electricity and water tariffs have been kept below the increases proposed by Eskom and Rand Water, with the City absorbing the additional costs.
Most importantly, the City should be commended for reducing property rates by a full 4% in light of the new valuations roll. This stands in stark contrast to the failing GNU national budget, which will dig deeper into the pockets of South Africans to fund its excesses.
The positive impact of this draft budget extends beyond concerned ratepayers. Over 180 000 of the most vulnerable households now have access to an expanded “Basic Basket of Services”, which includes a 100% property rates rebate, 12kl of free water, 100 kilowatt-hours of free electricity, among other provisions.
In addition to providing relief to ratepayers and enhancing social support for indigent households, this budget allocates essential resources for critical service delivery. Key investments include:
– R482 million in funds prepaid meters, new connections, and substation upgrades
– R579 million in funds for BRT infrastructure, road resurfacing, and flood mitigation
– R515 million in funds for reservoir extensions and wastewater treatment upgrades
– R466 million in funds for bulk services, stormwater drainage, and access roads
We also welcome the City’s decision to fund the employment of 200 additional TMPD officers. While this increase in capacity may seem modest, it is a necessary first step toward enhancing efforts to reclaim the capital and restore the rule of law.
To address excessive waste and bolster internal capacity, the draft budget outlines savings of over R200 million in contracted services, alongside a proposed R300 million fund to fill service delivery-related positions.
Whilst ActionSA welcomes this carefully considered budget, we recognise that it is not a silver bullet. Fixing Tshwane will require a series of sound decisions and excellence in executing this budget over time. However, this draft budget serves as the foundation from which Mayor Moya and her coalition team will expand dependable and effective service delivery to all residents.
We are optimistic that the measures outlined in this budget represent significant progress in reversing the poor governance that residents have endured for years.