After the Ekurhuleni Metro’s 2026/27 budget had already been tabled four times, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) today supported the revised budget in principle, following further important amendments, corrections and binding commitments from the ANC-led administration in the interest of residents.
Previous versions of the budget were rejected due to unrealistic assumptions, documentation errors and exorbitant tariffs.
The revised budget includes a reduction in the proposed property tax increase, from 2% to 1,5%. While the Freedom Front Plus would have preferred an even smaller increase, this provides much-needed relief for the community.
The Metro also undertook to urgently revise and correct the refuse removal policy. Separately registered sectional title units (such as garages, storage spaces and parking spaces) will no longer be separately levied for refuse removal or availability charges if no separate service is rendered. So, residents will not pay twice for the same service.
The erroneous water tariff schedule, which reflected an incorrect 14% increase, has been officially withdrawn.
The Freedom Front Plus was given a binding commitment that a funded plan, to curb electricity losses and safeguard revenue, will be tabled to the Council by August.
NERSA found that Ekurhuleni’s electricity losses amount to a shocking 15,54%. The Metro simply has to prioritise this through more stringent meter readings, routine network maintenance and eradicating illegal connections.
The Metro acknowledged its error in the long-term financial strategy, which was incorrectly based on an unrealistic collection rate of 98% instead of the actual model baseline of 90%.
In addition, the administration had to assure the Council that the proposed R500 million overdraft facility is merely a temporary cash-flow mechanism, which will be repaid before the end of the financial year. The Freedom Front Plus will exercise strict oversight in this regard.
By ensuring that the budget is amended before being adopted, the Freedom Front Plus prevented the Metro from heading towards possible provincial intervention.
This keeps the Metro’s finances out of the hands of the EFF’s provincial MEC for Finance, Nkululeko Dunga, who plunged the Metro into financial chaos during his term as a Mayoral Committee Member for Finance.
The Freedom Front Plus has demonstrated that dedicated and evidence-based opposition can bring about real change – from tariff relief to corrections that safeguard residents’ interests.
On 4 November, voters have the opportunity to build on this by voting for the Freedom Front Plus. It is the only way to ensure that tax money is wisely spent and service delivery is prioritised.
It is our time to build a better Ekurhuleni.
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