It is clearly evident in the Tshwane Metro’s newly adopted 2026/27 budget that service delivery will once again get the short end of the stick when the money starts running out.
During Thursday’s budget debate, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) emphasised that the budget is not fully funded, despite claims by the Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Eugene Modise, that it is.
In fact, the budget relies on highly optimistic revenue projections that are not aligned with reality.
The wage bill will climb to more than R16,26 billion following a general salary increase of 4,75%, which is significantly higher than inflation. This represents nearly 29,2% of the total operating budget of R55,7 billion, in addition to a historical burden of R1,08 billion for outstanding 2021 salary increases.
Modise bases his projected revenue on an unrealistic collection rate of 90%, while the actual rate currently stands below 83%.
With the approved tariff increases taking effect on 1 July, this rate could drop even lower. The difference creates a real cash shortfall of more than R3,38 billion.
When the shortfall materialises, legally protected salaries will be paid first, while basic service delivery is left to collapse. So, residents will pay significantly more, only to receive even less in services – repairs of potholes and water leaks will take even longer.
A budget based on flawed projections and an inflated wage bill will not turn Tshwane around.
The Freedom Front Plus advocates for a radical return to basic principles: clean administration, fewer expensive external contractors, the eradication of corrupt supply chains and a firm focus on reliable service delivery.
Voters have the opportunity to set things right on 4 November 2026 by voting for the Freedom Front Plus.
