TZANEEN – The DA in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) has rejected the draft 2026/2027 budget and revised Integrated Development Plan (IDP) tabled by the mayor at a recent council meeting.

The party is calling for increased funding for infrastructure maintenance and the ringfencing of core municipal services.

The total projected budget for the 2026/2027 financial year is R2.494 billion, with R2.201 billion allocated to operational expenditure.

R20m for building renovations criticised

The DA’s Cllr Chrisma Bredenkamp criticised allocations of R2.5 million for a new bus and R20 million for municipal building renovations, saying the funds should instead be redirected to urgent infrastructure needs such as roads, electricity, and water services.

She also questioned how the municipality aims to achieve its goal of becoming a city by 2030 while allocating less than 6% of its budget to maintenance, calling for an increase to at least 12%.

The DA further argued that well-maintained infrastructure is essential for reliable service delivery and local economic development, adding that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) recommends municipalities allocate at least 6% of electricity revenue to maintenance.

The party said it would not support a budget that fails to prioritise infrastructure and service delivery needs.

Municipality defends balanced approach

GTM spokesperson Vutivi Makhubele defended the budget, saying the planned municipal building renovations are necessary to improve working conditions and service delivery.

She added that the municipality has adopted a balanced approach aimed at addressing immediate needs while ensuring infrastructure sustainability.

Makhubele said all political parties are welcome to participate in the budget process, which remains open to public input through ongoing Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultations.

She confirmed that the final budget may still be adjusted based on community feedback.