Alfred Duma Local Municipality officially launched its Budget Roadshow today (April 15) by meeting with traditional leadership at council chambers in Ladysmith.

The session brought together local chiefs, councillors and other stakeholders to discuss the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Mayor Zama Sibisi opened the engagement by presenting a detailed report on projects completed since the administration took office in 2021. He noted that several of the projects finalised during the 2021/2022 financial year had been inherited from the previous administration and were successfully completed under the current leadership.

The mayor went on to outline a comprehensive list of service delivery achievements spanning from 2021 through to the 2025/2026 financial year.

Plans for upcoming financial year

Following the progress report, Sibisi presented the municipality’s plans for the upcoming financial year. These include infrastructure development, improved service delivery and community upliftment initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents across the municipality.

He emphasised the municipality’s commitment to continuing development efforts, including road maintenance and addressing long-standing service delivery challenges such as potholes.

Traditional leaders welcome budget

Traditional leaders warmly welcomed the proposed budget, expressing optimism about its potential to improve livelihoods. Chief Mabaso, chairperson of the Traditional Leadership Council, praised the mayor’s presentation as both ‘commendable and life-changing’.

He highlighted a specific initiative involving the planned purchase of a truck to assist women who travel long distances to collect grass for crafting. This support, he noted, would significantly ease their burden and help sustain their families.

Mabaso also acknowledged ongoing road repairs and expressed confidence in the municipality’s commitment to fixing potholes. He concluded by affirming the traditional leadership’s full support for the budget.

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