Note to editors: Please find attached the English soundbite by Cllr Teboho Thulo and Sesotho by Cllr Stone Makhema.
The DA-led Fezile Dabi District Council has unanimously approved the 2024/2025 budget. This comes after consultation with the community and stakeholders within the district was concluded and a policy review was undertaken within the municipality.
In his budget speech, on 21 May 2024, Executive Mayor, Dennis Khasudi highlighted the following items:
- Procurement of new fleet and IT equipment to the value of R3.7 million
- R1,2 million for EPWP to create temporary employment opportunities
- R550 000 for HIV/AIDS Awareness emanating from budget roadshows
- R2.4 million for the assessment of the conditions of roads through the RRAMS grant
Plans have also been put in place to reduce the historical excessive salary bill inherited from the previous administration from the current 70% to 55% by the end of the 2024/2025 financial year.
Furthermore, the municipality has just completed a skills audit and the organogram is nearing completion. These initiatives will ensure that employees are placed in positions best suited to their skills. The reviewed organogram will also ensure that the municipality is aligned with its functions and objectives as stipulated in the Municipal Structures Act. The above will ensure that in future, more of the revenue is directed towards service delivery and serving the mandate of the district municipality.
In realisation of the above and good spirits, the municipal manager and managers directly reporting to him have taken a position not to have their salaries increased, including corresponding performance bonuses.
The budget approval in the DA-led district municipality is a reflection of good governance and sound financial management.