The coalition governing the City of Tshwane has strongly approved the newly tabled budget for the 2025/26 financial year, saying the budget is a product of cooperation, leadership, and a shared vision of building a better Tshwane for all.
In a joint statement issued on Friday by the ANC, EFF, ActionSA, AIC, DOP, PA, PAC, ATM, PAC, and GOOD, the coalition partners highlighted the budget’s alignment with responsible governance, fiscal discipline, and inclusive service delivery.
A Historic Milestone
The coalition parties commended the City of Tshwane for presenting a fully funded and credible budget, officially endorsed by the National Treasury.
The parties said this is the first fully funded budget since 2022, which signifies a major turnaround in the city’s financial health.
“This is a clear demonstration of our coalition’s commitment to responsible governance, sound financial management, and delivering services equitably to all communities,” the statement read.
The R52.2 billion operational budget, complemented by R2.4 billion for capital projects, embodies shared priorities such as infrastructure development, economic growth, and social upliftment.
Notably, the budget’s conservative approach excludes reliance on borrowing, positively impacting the city’s credit outlook and fostering investor confidence.
Highlights of the Budget
Deputy Mayor and MMC for Finance Eugene Modise detailed the key figures and strategic priorities during yesterday’s budget presentation at Tshwane House.
He emphasised that the the budget is pro-poor and service-delivery-focused, with R7.4 billion allocated in grants—R5.5 billion for operational needs, R2 billion for infrastructure, and R152 million for a new urban development financing grant.
Modise highlighted that the National Treasury affirmed the budget’s credibility, pointing out that it reflected rigorous planning and transparency.
“We have prioritised keeping rates as affordable as possible, ensuring residents are not burdened with unreasonable increases,” he stated.
Tariff adjustments for services are moderate: electricity tariffs will rise by 10.1%, below Eskom’s 11.32% bulk tariff increase; water charges by 13%, under Rand Water’s 15.13%; sanitation by 6%; and waste removal by 4.6%.
Progress and Future Outlook
The city has committed R15 million to early risk detection and improving financial reporting, with a clear goal of achieving an unqualified audit next year.
“Work has already begun, with investigations into R11.7 billion of irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure completed—far surpassing the R1.2 billion in the previous year,” Modise noted.
Employment creation remains a key focus, with R49.2 million allocated for over 11,000 work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme and R76 million for the Public Employment Programme.
The city aims to attract over R17 billion in new investments, projecting the creation of approximately 80,000 jobs between 2025 and 2029 through its revitalisation strategies.
Strategic assets such as Wonderboom National Airport, Tshwane Events Centre, and power stations will be leveraged to spur growth and employment, aligning with the city’s broader economic recovery plan.
Coalition’s Collective Commitment
The coalition leaders reaffirmed their dedication to collaborative governance in their joint statement.
“While our partnership is not without challenges, it has delivered tangible results—improved cash reserves, reduced debt, better revenue collection, and enhanced service delivery,” the statement read.
They further emphasised that the budget is a product of leadership, cooperation, and a shared vision to build a better Tshwane for all residents.
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