Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Dewald Hattingh and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Tim Mpakathe.
– The budget relies on an unrealistic 57% revenue collection rate.
– An approved revenue recovery plan was not implemented.
– Poor revenue collection threatens basic service delivery.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mantsopa Municipality rejects the 2026/2027 municipal budget tabled before Council, as it is neither credible nor adequately funded to ensure sustainable service delivery to residents.
A fundamental concern is that the budget is based on a revenue collection rate of only 57%, raising serious questions about the municipality’s ability to generate sufficient income to fund its planned expenditures. A budget that relies on unrealistic revenue assumptions exposes the municipality to further financial deterioration and compromises the delivery of essential services.
The DA previously proposed a comprehensive data cleansing programme to correct inaccuracies in the municipal billing system, improve customer information, identify unbilled properties, and enhance revenue collection. This proposal was accepted by Council, yet municipal officials failed to implement the programme.
The failure to execute this important intervention represents a missed opportunity to improve the municipality’s financial position and increase revenue collection. Residents who diligently pay for services continue to bear the burden of municipal inefficiency, while the municipality’s financial sustainability remains under threat.
The DA is deeply concerned that the continued failure to improve revenue collection will directly impact service delivery. Roads, water infrastructure, electricity networks, refuse removal, and other basic municipal services require adequate funding and sound financial management.
Without meaningful action to improve collections and strengthen financial controls, residents can expect further deterioration in service delivery standards.
We remain committed to advocating for responsible financial management, improved governance, and practical solutions that will place Mantsopa Municipality on a sustainable path. We call on the municipal administration to urgently implement the approved data-cleansing programme and other revenue-enhancement measures to protect essential services and restore public confidence.
The people of Mantsopa deserve a municipality that manages public funds responsibly and delivers the services for which residents are paying.