There are several serious flaws in the Tshwane Metro Council’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for 2026/27 as well as the 2026/28 Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework.
During the latest council meeting, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) pointed out six issues threatening the integrity of the process and the quality of service delivery.
These six issues are:
- Unsafe and inaccessible public participation venues
Meetings are held at locations that are neither convenient nor safe for all residents. For instance, the sports complex in Bronkhorstspruit is used, while community halls closer to residential areas are available. Eersterust residents must travel to Mamelodi, often in the evening – an unacceptable and risky arrangement. - Lack of support for departments
The process plan is extensive and requires proper coordination. Without adequate support, departments will struggle to fulfil their mandates, directly impacting service delivery. - Risks related to delays and poor quality
Amendments, stakeholder feedback and legal requirements may negatively affect the timeline and quality of the final IDP and budget. - No concrete financial details
The document refers to financial implications, but fails to provide clear cost or funding plans. This lack of transparency undermines the plan’s feasibility and accountability. - Overly technical and inaccessible documentation
Ordinary residents find it hard to understand the IDP as it is very complex, which limits meaningful participation and undermines the objective of inclusive governance. - Generic and meaningless departmental feedback
Internal feedback is often superficial and does not facilitate improvement, leaving the process void of critical self-reflection and growth.
The Freedom Front Plus supports development in the Tshwane Metro, but insists that these six issues should be urgently addressed.
Public participation should be a reality – not a mere administrative formality. The party will continue to pressure the Metro to ensure its IDP process is inclusive, transparent and feasible.
Tshwane residents deserve a government that truly sees, includes and serves them, not one that excludes them.
