The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) has adopted its Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and budget for the 2026/27 financial year.

The decision was made during a council meeting held in Ermelo on May 29.

According to the district municipality, all legislative processes, including public participation and consultation phases, were completed before approval.

The documents were also assessed by Provincial Treasury and the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), with issues raised during the review addressed before adoption.

Council said a public notice will be issued inviting residents to view the adopted documents on the municipality’s website.

During the same sitting, condolences were expressed for the families of 10 people who died in a road accident between Morgenzon and Standerton, as well as for the family of the late councillor Mthokozisi Amady Simelane of the Mkhondo Local Municipality.

The municipality reiterated its commitment to responsive governance, financial management and service delivery across the district.