Opposition Critiques Tshwane's R58.5 Billion Budget as Unreliable
Opposition parties slam Tshwane's R58.5 billion budget as unrealistic
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The City of Tshwane's R58.5 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year has faced severe criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), who argue it lacks credibility and fails to address pressing issues like water shortages. In contrast, ActionSA supports the budget, citing it as fully funded and credible.
- 01DA mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink criticized Finance MMC Eugene Modise, linking budget credibility to Modise's alleged dishonesty regarding personal business dealings.
- 02Brink highlighted overspending on water tanker services and a concerning increase in electricity losses from R1.8 billion to R3.2 billion.
- 03FF Plus leader Grandi Theunissen pointed out that the city's revenue collection rate is only 82%, undermining the budget's surplus projections.
- 04The budget includes a projected revenue growth of 6.9% and aims for a collection rate of 90%, according to Modise.
- 05ActionSA caucus leader Henriette Frohlich praised the budget, noting it is the second fully funded budget presented in 18 months.
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The City of Tshwane's R58.5 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, presented by Finance MMC Eugene Modise, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus). DA mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink described the budget as lacking credibility, questioning Modise's integrity due to a forensic report alleging dishonesty related to his business dealings with the municipality. Brink emphasized the city's failure to provide clean water to residents, particularly in Hammanskraal, and pointed out significant overspending on water tanker services, with electricity losses rising from R1.8 billion to R3.2 billion. FF Plus leader Grandi Theunissen echoed these concerns, noting a low revenue collection rate of 82%, which he argues negates the budgeted surplus. Conversely, ActionSA supports the budget, highlighting it as fully funded and indicative of fiscal recovery efforts, with Modise projecting a revenue growth of 6.9% and a collection rate goal of 90%. Modise also mentioned improvements in billing accuracy, aiming to restore public confidence in municipal services.
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The budget's credibility and execution will directly affect municipal services, particularly water supply and infrastructure maintenance, crucial for residents.
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