Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Johannes le Grange
The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that the City of Matlosana refer the Nersa tariff submission back to Council for final approval, incorporating all inputs from the community.
During the budgetary process for 2025/2026, the DA in the City of Matlosana noticed that the proposed tariff increases have been included in the Municipal tariff applications without proper processes.
It is a matter of compliance that these proposed tariffs have to be tabled, discussed, and recommended by Council before submitting as part of the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) and specifically for public participation.
Public participation on the MTREF as well as tariffs is currently underway, but still not finalised. National Treasury Circular 130 regulated very clearly that before any tariffs can be considered, the municipality must undertake an assessment to determine if the intended or implemented tariffs are cost-reflective.
The cost-reflective tariffs tool outcomes must be reported to and approved by Council.
While the consultation process is still in progress, the proposed tariffs have already been sent for approval to NERSA—an action that demonstrates the ANC-ruled governance’s disregard for due process and the constitutional requirement of public participation.
This is a slap in the face of the community, who believe that their input during consultation processes is being taken seriously.
The DA in Matlosana remains committed to prioritising the needs of the community.