The 2026/27 IDP and budget roadshow for public participation is underway, with AbaQulusi Mayor Sifiso Mkhwanazi launching the programme last week.

Roadshow launched with traditional leaders

The mayor first met with Amakhosi at the AbaQulusi Council Chamber before engaging ward committee members at the Cecil Emmett Hall.

Mayor highlights value of community participation

During the session, Mayor Mkhwanazi stressed the importance of community involvement in the roadshows, noting that residents gain a clearer understanding of how municipal finances operate and are able to influence development priorities.
“Community participation remains key to building a responsive and people-centred municipality.”

Voter registration linked to municipal funding

Mkhwanazi urged ward committees to encourage residents to register to vote, acknowledging that some residents feel disengaged from politics or see no need to vote. However, he stressed that voter registration has a direct impact on the municipality’s funding through the equitable share.
“AbaQulusi Municipality has a very high population according to Stats SA, but a low percentage of registered voters — which negatively affects our equitable share,” he explained.

Ward visits and project handovers

Mkhwanazi also visited the various wards to present the 2026/27 budget, project and handover completed projects.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.