The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) voted against the Emalahleni Local Municipality’s 2026/27 budget as well as the Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF), applicable until 2029.
This budget is unfunded to the amount of R10,1 billion, reckless and violates the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
The ANC-controlled Council acknowledged that the Municipality’s enormous Eskom debt – of more than R12 billion – is the reason behind the shortfall. Yet the ANC-led administration continues to base its budget on money that will never materialise. The collection rate has remained dangerously low, at around 49%, over the past three months, which is well below the minimum target of 70 – 75%.
Meanwhile, residents will be hit with the following tariff hikes:
• 21% for water
• 10% for electricity
• 3,4% in property rates and refuse removal
All while the Municipality loses approximately 50% of its water and 35% of its electricity before it can even be billed – a direct consequence of failing infrastructure and illegal connections.
The Municipality is bleeding resources dry while its infrastructure is collapsing.
The Freedom Front Plus demanded that councillors’ individual votes against the budget be recorded. However, the budget was still pushed through with 32 votes in favour and 30 against.
The Freedom Front Plus refuses to endorse a budget based on fictional funds and that exploits taxpayers. The party remains committed to a responsible administration – one that complies with legal requirements and puts residents’ interests first.
On 4 November, voters have the opportunity to oust the ANC and replace it with the Freedom Front Plus – a party that does not build a future on debt and empty promises, but on clean governance, sustainable finances and actual service delivery.
