By Emily Setona
CLARENS – The Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality (TMDM) has adopted a R178.7 million budget for the 2026/27 financial year despite sharp criticism from opposition parties, who questioned the municipality’s spending priorities and staffing structure.
Tabling the Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) at the Martie Lotz Hall in Clarens on 29 May, Executive Mayor Conny Msibi described the budget as a “tool of transformation” aimed at strengthening service delivery, economic development and good governance.
Presenting what she called the final budget of the fifth administration, Msibi said the municipality remained committed to improving residents’ lives despite ongoing financial pressures.
“This budget is a tool of transformation and a document that will help us fulfil our objectives for the 2026/27 financial year,” she said.
The municipality’s operating budget will decrease from R189.8 million in the 2025/26 adjusted budget to R178.7 million in 2026/27, while the capital budget drops from R8.2 million to R6.5 million due to limited financial resources.
Msibi highlighted skills development as one of the administration’s key achievements, revealing that 16 bursaries were awarded to employees during the current academic year, while 15 staff members have completed qualifications since the bursary programme was introduced in 2021.
However, opposition parties mounted strong resistance during the council debate.DA councillors Leona Kleynhans and Eric Motloung opposed the adoption of the staff establishment, arguing that a skills audit had not yet been completed.
Kleynhans questioned the municipality’s priorities, saying the district should focus more on its core mandate, particularly disaster management.
“Why does the TMDM exist? The primary functions of a district municipality include disaster management, yet most of the budget is spent on salaries, remuneration and employee benefits. This cannot be right,” she said.
The Freedom Front Plus acknowledged progress made by the municipality, particularly in skills development, but ultimately voted against the budget.
“We must acknowledge the good work done by the Executive Mayor and her team, especially regarding skills development. Transformation is when the lives of people improve,” the party said during deliberations.
EFF councillor Mohau Molwelwe participated virtually in the debate, while DPSA representative Moeketsi Lebesa and MAP16 councillor Azael Nhlapo also raised objections, with MAP16 confirming it would not support the budget.
Despite the opposition, Msibi defended the financial plan, describing it as credible, sustainable and compliant with legislative requirements.
“Today we are tabling a credible budget that is relevant, sustainable and compliant,” she said.
Following extensive debate, the budget was approved and adopted by council.
