Ratepayers challenge 2026 budget

THE eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) labelled the ANC eThekwini Region's pro-poor budget statement as “political theatre.”

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

The municipality's council will meet to discuss and approve the 2026/27 R74.7 billion draft budget tomorrow.

The proposed tariff increases are electricity (10.5%), water (15%), sanitation (13%), refuse removal (13%), and property rates (5%).

The ANC in eThekwini has proposed the following tariff adjustments: rates (2%), electricity (9%), water (14% for households and 15% for businesses), sanitation (8% for households and 9% for businesses), and refuse removal (9.5%).

The ERPM was reacting to the ANC Regional Working Committee (RWC) statement that it presented a mandate supporting the adoption of a budget that accelerates service delivery, eases the rising cost of living for ratepayers and small businesses, and prioritises the needs of the poor and vulnerable.

Thanduxolo Sabelo, the ANC eThekwini Regional Task Team coordinator, said that reliance on water tankers undermines the dignity of communities and that the ANC regards the water crisis as a state of emergency requiring an urgent and decisive response.