The executive mayor, Kgotso Khumalo, tabled a R1,80 billion budget. He said the resources have been allocated to uplift under-developed areas, maintain existing infrastructure and fulfil strategic priorities in the integrated development plan (IDP). (See the mayoral column for future projects).

The mayoral budget presentation also included new tariffs for NW405 residents.

Topping the agenda of the 9-hour council meeting were the budget, the IDP and the name change. The event was marred by debates, bickering, confusion, and indecisiveness.

The DA did not approve the budget tabled by the mayor citing lack of faith in the administration and saying there is a total lack of accountability, taking a swipe at the municipal manager. ‘We are disregarded in the council and treated like rubber stamps,’ said Hans-Jurie Moolman.

The FF Plus councillor, Fanie Du Toit, said they cannot approve a budget in which the funds are mismanaged. The MMC for Finance, Kelvin Johnson argued that ‘we are not here to assess the administration because it is not an agenda point. Let us not waste time because all the parties participated fully in the workshops for the draft budget,’ he said.

The ANC and the independents voted for the approval of the budget. By contrast, the DA, EFF and FF Plus voted against it and lost.

According to Chris Landsberg, the DA caucus leader, the DA is concerned about the R169 939 326 deficit reflected in the budget. He says the municipality did not make it clear how the deficit would be funded.

‘Last year’s budget was approved on the condition that council receives the reports on two major contracts that were highlighted in the previous Auditor-General’s report. The AG expressed concern about the procurement of paraffin which the municipality purchased at double the regular and standard industry price. Another concern, according to Landsberg was the meter system, where an amount of R9 million was spent. ‘These two transactions were concluded without a council resolution and not following the supply chains procedure,’ he said.

Landsberg believes that the municipality has thus failed to adhere to the conditions of the approval of the previous budget and has also disregarded the council resolutions.

The other serious grey point of the budget tabled by the executive mayor on Tuesday, according to Landsberg, is the percentage of the budget that was allocated for maintenance, which ‘does not comply with the requirements that were prescribed by National Treasury.

‘Tlokwe is currently faced with rapidly deteriorating infrastructure and burst pipes that are causing water distribution losses for residents. This is a concern as many residents do not have access to clean drinking water,’ he said.