The ANC in Ekurhuleni has defended the City’s 2026/27 budget following the council’s failure to adopt it during a meeting held last Thursday.

The meeting collapsed amid disputes over voting procedures and legal requirements, leaving the R71bn budget unresolved and drawing criticism from opposition parties.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the ANC in Ekurhuleni said it supports the budget tabled by MMC for Finance and Strategy, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, describing it as compliant and fully funded.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Ekurhuleni budget not adopted after council meeting collapses

The party said the budget was developed through a public participation process that included organised labour groups such as SAMWU and IMATU.

Budget and tariff adjustments

According to the ANC, the budget seeks to balance affordability for residents with the municipality’s service delivery obligations.

The proposed tariff adjustments include a 2% increase in property rates, alongside reduced increases in sanitation, water, refuse removal and other municipal services compared to earlier proposals.

The ANC said the budget includes increased funding for repairs and maintenance, rising from R3.8bn to R4.6bn.

The funding is expected to focus on water and sanitation infrastructure, electricity supply, roads, waste management and municipal facilities.

Infrastructure and service delivery

The party also pointed to efforts to strengthen internal service delivery capacity, including the procurement of additional waste compactor trucks, EMPD vehicles, and graders.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Ekurhuleni budget not adopted after council meeting collapses

It further highlighted investment in human settlements projects, informal settlement interventions and basic service upgrades.

Additional allocations include R88.2m towards law enforcement and by-law enforcement, as well as debt relief measures through a revised debt rehabilitation scheme.

Concerns over delays
The ANC warned that continued delays in adopting the budget could affect service delivery and infrastructure projects.

According to the party, projects linked to sewer systems, water supply upgrades and electricity network improvements could face delays if the budget impasse continues.

The party also raised concerns over possible impacts on worker compensation agreements under the South African Local Government Bargaining Council.

The ANC’s position differs sharply from that of opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance, which has criticised the proposed budget and raised concerns about affordability and governance.
Council is expected to reconvene to continue deliberations on the budget.