Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Madra de Bruin
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in JB Marks strongly condemns the manner in which the Executive Mayor and the Speaker forced through the unfunded 2025/26 Adjustment Budget during Council on 6 March 2026.
This follows last week’s Council meeting where the DA, together with other councillors, successfully prevented the adoption of the Adjustment Budget due to serious financial concerns and its failure to address the ongoing collapse of service delivery in the municipality.
Instead of addressing the legitimate concerns raised by councillors, the Executive Mayor and Speaker reconvened Council and pushed through the same unfunded Adjustment Budget. Reports from councillors indicate that pressure and intimidation were directed at those who opposed the budget or previously walked out in protest.
The budget was ultimately adopted with the support of the ANC, EFF and PA.
The DA maintains that this Adjustment Budget is deeply flawed and financially irresponsible. It reflects an operating deficit, mounting creditor balances, severe liquidity pressure, and a dangerous reliance on national government grants. Revenue collection remains weak, municipal debt continues to escalate, and the long-term financial sustainability of the municipality is under serious threat.
Even more concerning is that residents continue to experience worsening service delivery failures. Communities across JB Marks are dealing with recurring pipe bursts, ongoing sewer spillages, low or no water pressure, and infrastructure that fails shortly after repairs. In some areas, raw sewage continues to flow into residential yards.
Despite these realities, Council has now adopted a budget that claims investment in water and sanitation while residents continue to live with the daily consequences of failing infrastructure.
Forcing through an unfunded budget under these circumstances undermines transparent governance and raises serious concerns about accountability and financial management in the municipality.
The DA will not be intimidated or silenced. We will continue to fight for responsible financial management, proper consequence management, and reliable service delivery for the residents of JB Marks.
The people of JB Marks deserve a municipality that prioritises service delivery, transparency, and the responsible use of public funds.