Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Hilton Maasdorp and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Lucas Xaba
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus in Dihlabeng Local Municipality wishes to place on record that we do not support the 2025/2026 Adjustment Budget adopted by Council. This budget, if implemented, will negatively affect residents by limiting the municipality’s ability to maintain infrastructure, deliver essential services, and ensure financial stability.
Council and residents will recall that during the 2025/2026 Budget Council sitting held in Paul Roux, the DA similarly rejected the original budget. Our position therefore remains consistent, principled, and guided by our commitment to sound financial governance.
The DA Caucus decision is informed by serious and ongoing concerns relating to the financial sustainability of the municipality. These include inadequate and unsustainable funding provisions, the municipality’s declining creditworthiness, persistent weaknesses in revenue collection, and continued shortcomings in financial management practices. If these issues are not addressed, residents will continue to experience service disruptions, deteriorating infrastructure, and delays in essential municipal services.
These challenges are not procedural or technical in nature; they directly impact the municipality’s ability to maintain infrastructure, deliver reliable basic services, and meet its obligations to residents and service providers. A budget that does not credibly address these risks cannot place Dihlabeng on a path toward financial recovery.
Regrettably, these critical matters were not sufficiently addressed during deliberations on the Adjustment Budget. Approving such a budget under the current circumstances would, in the view of the DA, be fiscally irresponsible and contrary to the best interests of the residents of Dihlabeng.
The DA Dihlabeng Caucus remains committed to accountable governance, financial discipline, and transparent decision-making. We will continue to advocate for realistic budgeting, improved revenue management, and sustainable service delivery solutions that restore stability and confidence in the municipality.