The Democratic Alliance and the Freedom Front Plus in the JB Marks Local Municipality have strongly criticised the adoption of the municipality’s 2025/26 Adjustment Budget, claiming it was forced through council despite serious financial concerns.

The budget was eventually adopted with the support of the African National Congress (ANC), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

According to DA councillor Madra de Bruin, the budget was adopted during a council meeting on Friday March 6, after the Executive Mayor, Gaba Thithiba Ka Qhele and the Speaker, Rosy Dassie, reconvened council to pass the same budget that had previously been blocked.

“Instead of addressing the legitimate concerns raised by councillors, the Executive Mayor and Speaker reconvened Council and pushed through the same unfunded Adjustment Budget,” said de Bruin.

VF Plus councillor Thys Rossouw stated the budget was tabled for approval without any consultation with opposition parties, prompting the VF Plus to object. The VF Plus had already voted against the adoption of the adjustment budget on Friday, February 27.

“We also pointed out that millions of rand in this budget were suddenly allocated to vanity projects such as the construction of sports stadiums, while basic services and infrastructure in Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp continue to deteriorate,” said Rossouw in a press statement last week.

“It is disgraceful that the ANC in JB Marks is attempting to divert essential funds earmarked to repair water and electricity infrastructure in Ventersdorp to populist projects in an effort to regain lost credibility.”

Rossouw added that the VF Plus will continue to fight for a responsible and corruption-free municipality that places the interests of residents in Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp first.

De Bruin said the DA believes the adjustment budget is “deeply flawed and financially irresponsible”, pointing to an operating deficit, increasing creditor balances and growing pressure on the municipality’s cash flow.

She added that weak revenue collection and rising municipal debt continue to threaten the long-term financial sustainability of the municipality.

At the same time, residents across the municipality are facing ongoing service delivery failures, including recurring pipe bursts, sewer spillages and persistent water supply problems.

“Communities across JB Marks are dealing with recurring pipe bursts, ongoing sewer spillages, low or no water pressure and infrastructure that fails shortly after repairs. In some areas, raw sewage continues to flow into residential yards, yet Council has now adopted a budget that claims investment in water and sanitation while residents continue to live with the daily consequences of failing infrastructure,” de Bruin said.

By the time of publication, the JB Marks Local Municipality had not yet responded to a request for comment.