Ekurhuleni approves revised R71b budget for 2026/27

The City of Ekurhuleni has successfully adopted its revised R71b budget for the 2026/27 financial year, averting the possibility of the metro being placed under administration after opposition parties backed the proposal on June 23.

The amended budget was approved by 176 votes to 31, bringing an end to weeks of political uncertainty that had raised concerns about service delivery and the city’s ability to meet the statutory deadline for approving its spending plans.

Speaking during a media briefing, Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza welcomed the adoption of the budget, saying it marked an important milestone in the city’s efforts to improve residents’ quality of life.

A key intervention contained in the budget is the expansion of debt relief for qualifying indigent households.

Residents who meet the criteria will now benefit from a 100% debt write-off, up from 70%, offering
greater support to vulnerable families.

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Residents seeking information on eligibility requirements and the application process have been encouraged to visit their nearest customer care centre.

Set to take effect on July 1, 2026, the R71b budget prioritises the rehabilitation of ageing infrastructure, addressing electricity revenue losses, strengthening the city’s financial position and accelerating visible service delivery across communities.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services, Siphumule Ntombela, said the adoption of the budget demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to residents.

“We congratulate the mayor, the MMC for Finance and the finance team for working tirelessly to put together this funded budget,” said Ntombela.

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He added that the budget would ensure the completion of housing projects, enabling more residents to benefit from decent accommodation.

“It will also support the upgrading of infrastructure to keep pace with growing communities and provide departments with equipment to strengthen internal capacity and reduce reliance on external contractors,” he said.

Ntombela said the city would continue reorganising informal settlements to make them more accessible and ensure that basic services are provided.

“All these interventions reflect the good intentions of this government to improve service delivery and uplift our communities.

“We remain steadfast in our support of this budget and believe it deserves the backing of all parties represented in council,” he said.