– DA rejects Ilembe District Municipality 2025/26 Budget
– DA will continue to hold the failing ANC-Led Ilembe District accountable.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in iLembe District Municipality has formally placed its objection on record regarding the 2025/2026 Draft Budget, amounting to R1.9 billion. While we acknowledge the need for financial planning and service delivery, we believe this budget fails to address core concerns of residents and demonstrates a lack of fiscal prudence, empathy, and strategic foresight.
The DA made several written submissions during the budget consultation process, yet these have been largely ignored.
Among the proposals were the following:
- Unaffordable tariff increases amidst economic hardship
The proposed 13.5% increase in water and sanitation tariffs is economically unjustifiable given South Africa’s prevailing socioeconomic conditions. With high unemployment, stagnant growth, and rising living costs, residents simply cannot afford further financial burdens. The DA’s call for a 0% increase on water tariffs and a consumption-based sanitation model reflects a fairer, pro-poor alternative that recognises the fiscal strain already experienced by households.
- Failure of fiscal discipline and infrastructure management
The budget demonstrates a troubling lack of fiscal responsibility. Only 3.7% of the operational budget is allocated for repairs and maintenance—far below the national benchmark of 8%—threatening already deteriorating infrastructure. Additionally, R110 million in water losses, combined with a debt book nearing R1 billion, underscores the urgent need for strategic interventions such as prepaid meters, disconnection of illegal connections, and better operational controls. The continued neglect of infrastructure in areas like Wards 16 and 17 reflects poor planning and delivery.
- Exclusionary and superficial public participation
The budget process has failed the democratic test of meaningful public engagement. Community input has been ignored, and critical proposals—including pensioner support policies and alternate water supply investments—were excluded from the final draft. This renders the consultation process a box-ticking exercise, undermining public trust and democratic accountability.
- Governance deficiencies and misaligned priorities
The municipality’s continued reliance on political deployments instead of merit-based appointments erodes institutional efficiency. There is also an alarming absence of accountability in expenditure, particularly regarding overtime, where non-essential personnel continue to benefit. Furthermore, the municipality’s silence on the Amakomas water levy—a project from which residents gain no direct benefit—reveals a leadership detached from the lived realities of its constituents.
In light of the above, the DA rejects the 2025/2026 budget in its current form. We call on the iLembe District Municipality to return to the drawing board, conduct meaningful engagement with stakeholders, and rework this budget to reflect fiscal responsibility, fairness, and real solutions for residents.
As we approach the 2026 local government elections, it is evident that the ANC is losing its grip. Voters are demanding accountability, service delivery, and ethical leadership. The DA stands ready to govern with transparency, efficiency, and a clear focus on the needs of the people.