Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbite in English by Mduduzi Maphanga
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Kgetlengrivier has rejected the municipality’s Adjustment Budget, citing serious concerns over its credibility and failure to prioritise core service delivery.
The budget reflects a negative working capital of R600,000, yet the CFO simultaneously presented a projected surplus of R30 million to Council. Based on the municipality’s own financial position, the DA considers this so-called surplus unrealistic and misleading.
While the DA acknowledges efforts by the CFO to improve revenue collection, including initiatives to strengthen the indigent register and appoint a debt collector, these measures alone cannot mask the municipality’s underlying financial instability.
At a time when Kgetlengrivier is facing clear financial strain, the Adjustment Budget still includes R1,036,896 in expenditure that can and should be reduced. The DA believes that every available resource must be directed towards fixing service delivery failures, not sustaining non-essential spending.
The DA therefore called for decisive reprioritisation, placing focus on:
- Critical infrastructure, particularly water and electricity,
- Strengthening financial management and revenue collection,
- Improving refuse removal and maintenance of public amenities, and
- Continuing legal processes to resolve outstanding matters.
Residents deserve a budget grounded in reality. One that protects essential services and restores financial discipline.
The DA remains committed to fighting for responsible governance in Kgetlengrivier, ensuring that public funds are used where they matter most: delivering services to the community.