Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Eleanor Quinta and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Ana Motaung.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Maluti-a-Phofung (MaP) will formally engage the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to clarify the proposed billing system and submit input opposing the current tariff structure in the 2026/27 Draft Budget, as it risks imposing an unjustifiable financial burden on residents and businesses.
The 2026/27 Draft Budget is open for public comment in the MaP municipality. The draft budget public participation is a seemingly open and interactive process where the community is invited to influence the municipality’s proposed spending plan before it is finalised.
It is a crucial legal component of local democracy, and the DA urges residents and business owners to participate to ensure the budget reflects the community’s needs and priorities.
As the Draft Budget currently stands, the tariffs are calculated under a very bizarre billing system, and the DA in MAP is doubtful that it is enforceable due to its complexity.
The increase in tariffs, which includes a now basic charge on water and electricity for all users, will severely impact household budgets and business operating costs. It will shrink household disposable income and will increase business operational expenses.
Although the municipality is in dire need of funds, the DA believes the answer is not to overburden consumers. However, rather than focusing on revenue collection, they should reduce bad debts and decisively address their own inefficiencies. Instead of passing on their paralysis to the consumer.
The DA will not accept the budget in its current form and will continue to speak up for the residents of Maluti-a-Phofung, ensuring the municipality takes consumer needs seriously.
The 2026/27 Draft Budget is available for scrutiny and comment at all libraries. Closing date for input is 15 May 2026. Emails can be sent to nratengk@map.fs.gov.za or makin@map.fs.gov.za