The 2026/27 budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the Dipaleseng Local Municipality (Balfour, Grootvlei, Greylingstad) do not meet the basic requirements for sustainable service delivery, as expected by residents.
The Municipality is still plagued by regular power outages, sewage spilling into surrounding rivers and unsafe drinking water.
This decline has already led to a large-scale exodus of residents and the closure of businesses.
Dipaleseng’s financial crisis is clearly evident:
- Total debt has doubled over four years and now exceeds R1,1 billion.
- Eskom debt stands at approximately R180 million.
- Creditors have surpassed the R600 million mark and have doubled in just four years.
- Service providers are simply not paid, even though the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) stipulates that payments must occur within 30 days.
Dipaleseng’s budget clearly has no realistic recovery plan.
An amount of R439,4 million has been earmarked for operating expenditure, while only R16,7 million is budgeted for capital projects, meaning infrastructure is not a priority.
Instead, steep tariff increases are once again imposed on law-abiding residents: 3,4% for property rates, sewerage, refuse removal and water, respectively, as well as 11,1% for electricity (subject to NERSA approval).
This approach places a greater burden on those who pay their accounts faithfully, while non-payers are essentially subsidised and service delivery keeps declining.
So, the budget is not only unfunded, but also unfair – it does not guarantee any tangible improvements in infrastructure or basic services.
The Council simply adopted this unfunded budget without having a recovery plan in place.
This is a gross violation of the MFMA and demonstrates that the current administration does not serve the community’s needs.
The Freedom Front Plus has tabled several proposals to improve service delivery and financial management, but they have all been ignored.
Not surprisingly, the Freedom Front Plus was the only party that voted against the budget and the IDP.
Residents need a municipality that prioritises debt control, restores infrastructure and ensures sustainable service delivery.
On 4 November, residents have the opportunity to vote for the Freedom Front Plus, which will fight for residents’ interests, sustainable service delivery and a better future for Dipaleseng.
Freedom Front Plus Environmental Policy: The FF Plus supports sustainable environmental practices.
Badger The Burglar
Greenland: You have two cows. They are in for a surprise.
Widow Curio
Fun South African Fact: Towns like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch boast world-class wine farms in beautiful settings.