VANDERBIJLPARK – The Democratic Alliance rejected the Emfuleni Local Municipality’s mid-term adjustment budget during a council meeting on 26 February 2026.

This motion was supported by the Freedom Front Plus and the Economic Freedom Fighters, who also voted against the adjustment budget. This resulted in the budget not being passed.

The DA cited unrealistic revenue projections, concerns over spending priorities, and what it described as insufficient transparency in budget reallocations.

Maureen Dousidil, the DA’s Chief Whip in the municipality and councillor for Ward 5, explained that the budget was rejected mainly because it is based on unrealistic revenue assumptions.

She also added that the budget lacks transparency in spending adjustments, and prioritises short-term operational fixes over long-term infrastructure investment.

In simple terms, the DA argues that the municipality is planning its spending based on money it expects to collect in future, rather than money that is already available.

The DA also said the adjustment budget is unfunded by approximately R1.2 billion.

The Emfuleni council is expected to reconvene within 14 days to finalise the matter.