Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Tjaart van der Walt and Sesotho by Karabo Khakhau MP.
Residents of Mangaung need to be aware of the alarming truth regarding the proposed electricity tariff increase. Contrary to the misleading statement made by acting executive mayor Gregory Ntatisi, who claimed a 4.7% increase, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has received confirmation that the actual planned increase is a staggering 15.1%. This information is supported by both NERSA’s public announcement approving an 18.6% increase in the bulk tariff charged by Eskom to municipalities and a blanket 15.1% increase for municipal electricity consumers.
It is evident that the acting mayor either deliberately misled the council and the public by presenting false information or failed to thoroughly comprehend the budget documents. According to the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), it can be deemed an offence if any councillor intentionally or negligently provides false information in any document presented to the council.
A 15.1% increase in electricity tariffs, as opposed to the initially stated 4.7%, significantly impacts the pocket of every municipal customer. This difference must be taken into consideration by those who wish to provide comments, objections, or propose changes to the draft budget and tariffs before the acting mayor submits the final budget for approval in May.
The DA urges civil society to carefully examine and analyse the draft budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) available on the Mangaung website. We encourage residents to submit their questions, objections, and proposed changes to Mangaung using the provided email addresses and consult their local DA councillor for assistance.
It is essential for the community to engage in the budget review process to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair decision-making. By actively participating, residents can have a meaningful impact on the final budget and contribute to the betterment of Mangaung. Together, we can hold those in power accountable and work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for our municipality.