By Emily Setona
CLARENS – Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality’s executive mayor, Conny Msibi, tabled a R190 million expenditure budget for the 2025/26 financial year under the Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework during a council sitting held at Martie Lotz Hall on Wednesday, May 28.
The budget was adopted following a heated debate and divergent views from political parties and civic groups. While the council ultimately approved the budget, discussions highlighted deep concerns over fiscal sustainability, particularly the ballooning wage bill and ongoing dependence on grants.
Msibi outlined the key allocations:
* R180 million for operating costs
* R9.2 million for capital projects
* R1.4 million for vehicle acquisition
* R3 million for road repairs and maintenance
* R500,000 for rescue equipment
* R860,000 for SMME development
* R350,000 for sports development
* R310,000 for youth support
* R190,000 for ward committee and councillor training
Despite its approval, the budget did not enjoy universal support.
Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Marius Marais acknowledged the budget’s community-driven elements but expressed frustration over financial constraints.
“We are stuck with a high wage bill that we cannot escape. While the budget tries to address service delivery within its limits, we do not support it,” he said.
The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) also withheld support, echoing concerns raised by the Dikwankwetla Party.
Moeketsi Lebesa of Dikwankwetla warned: “The heavy reliance on grants is a red flag. A significant portion goes to salaries. While financial management appears sound, this level of dependency is unsustainable.”
Nonetheless, Dikwankwetla ultimately voted in favor of the budget.
Pule Mothijoa of the Setsoto Services Development Forum (SSDF) urged effective implementation: “Even though your budget is good, make sure its rollout is done properly. The limited resources must serve our people. We support the budget.”
MAP16 councillor Mphara Mphafi praised the inclusive process.
“To the executive mayor, thank you. You have been a blessing to us. We participated in the roadshows and saw the IDP process firsthand. We support the budget.”
ANC Chief Whip Lindiwe Makhalema applauded the municipality for a budget that ‘touches every corner’ despite fiscal challenges.
“It is important that communication highlights what has been achieved. We approve this budget for its focus on service delivery, economic development, and education,” she said.
Council Speaker Thabo Mokoena acknowledged the impact of rising salaries: “The salaries are killing what the budget can do.”
He called on council members to embrace constructive criticism to improve governance.
Executive Mayor Msibi concluded with a message of commitment: “Every rand in this budget is earmarked to empower, uplift, and deliver. We are building not only infrastructure, but a more inclusive, economically active, and resilient district.”
