Upon examination of the final Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and budget for the 2026/27 financial year of the ANC-controlled Tzaneen Local Municipality, it is evident that residents were deliberately misled regarding tariff increases during the public participation process.
During the public meetings held on 28 March 2026 at Tzaneen Primary School and on 15 April 2026 in Letsitele, residents were informed that water and sanitation tariffs would increase by only 3,7% and electricity by 9,1%.
However, the final budget paints a completely different picture:
- Water (Haenertsburg): an increase of 62,30%
- Water (Tzaneen, Letsitele and other areas): an increase of 101,52%
- Sanitation (sewerage): an increase of 281,77%
According to the Municipality’s own documents, these extreme increases are attributed to tariff adjustments by Lepelle Northern Water and the Mopani District Municipality as well as “associated costs of service delivery”.
There is no justification for misleading residents. They were deliberately given incorrect information during the public meetings.
The Municipality did not act in good faith and has undermined the compulsory public participation process.
This violates the spirit and letter of the Municipal Systems Act and the Municipal Finance Management Act, which demand transparency and thorough consultation.
Tzaneen residents are already affected by poor service delivery, frequent water outages and crumbling infrastructure.
Imposing such exorbitant tariff hikes after promising much lower increases is morally wrong and financially unsustainable for most households.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) expects the Municipality to withdraw these exorbitant tariff hikes at once, and provide a comprehensive and transparent explanation as to why there is such a drastic difference between the final documented figures and those communicated to residents during the public participation processes in March and April 2026.
In addition, the Municipality should conduct another, thorough public participation process before any tariffs are approved and implemented, so that residents are given a fair chance to make informed submissions.
Taxpayers deserve honest governance, and a budget based on truth and transparency, not deception.
Clearly, the ANC is unable to properly govern Tzaneen for its residents’ benefit.
Residents should vote for the Freedom Front Plus on 4 November for a responsible and honest administration. This is our time!
Freedom Front Plus Ideology: The party promotes Afrikaner nationalism and self-determination for minority groups.
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