Like many residents, I care about the condition of roads, the ongoing sewer overflows, streetlights that have not been working for the longest time, the slow repair of water leaks, and the maintenance of traffic lights. These are the issues I would like to see being addressed.

Looking at the City of Ekurhuleni’s Adjustment Budget, which was tabled and approved on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, it is important to reflect on what the budget really means. I often hear residents exclaim, “Do not tell us about budgets, fix the streetlights!”

I agree streetlights need to be fixed; however, before we do that, we need to fix the city’s budget. This is because budgets may appear technical and distant from everyday life; however, the reality is that a municipality’s financial health directly affects the services people experience.

As expected, the largest share of the adjustment budget is spent on the operating budget. This includes bulk electricity purchases, followed by employee-related costs, contractors and inventory. These are necessary costs for any municipality; however, the budget also reveals concerning financial pressures.

One of the most concerning trends is the growing amount of money that must be set aside for debt impairment. This is the revenue that the city does not expect to collect. Every rand that cannot be recovered places pressure on the funds available to ensure quality service delivery.

The consequence of this financial strain is seen and experienced by residents daily. In relation to Brackenhurst and Brackendowns, potholes remain a recurring issue, water leaks persist longer than they should before being repaired, and streetlights can take time to resolve. These are basic municipal functions, yet they depend heavily on the city managing its finances responsibly.

The adjustment budget also highlights failures in certain municipal systems, including traffic management systems used to enforce traffic violations. When systems fail, not only is road safety undermined, but the city also loses revenue that could otherwise support services.

If the mayor is serious about improving service delivery, the conversation must also focus on fixing the city’s finances. Starting with adequate budgeting and responsible spending.

Amid the many financial challenges highlighted in the adjustment budget, Alberton remains a community with great civic pride. Over the years, I have seen residents in Brackenhurst and Brackendowns actively contribute to keeping their neighbourhoods safe, clean, and vibrant through the involvement of the Brackendowns CPF.

In my opinion, the municipal government must match the residents’ commitment with responsible financial management and consistent service delivery.

Residents are not asking for perfection. They are asking for a municipality that manages public money responsibly, maintains infrastructure properly and responds to service delivery challenges efficiently.

If the City improves its financial discipline and focuses on the basics of local governance, communities like Brackenhurst and Brackendowns will feel the difference.

Clr Thavha Maifala-Masebe

Ward 38 councillor – Brackenhurst and Brackendowns

Cell: 061 540 4973

Email: Thavha.maifala-masebe@ekurhuleni.gov.za