Thulamela Mayor tables budget

THE Thulamela Local Municipality has tabled its 2025/26 budget of R1.1b - the same as the previous year - despite rising operational costs and increasing community needs.

- SILAS NDUVHENI

The budget was announced by Mayor Athongozwidivha Rambuda during a packed session at the George Phadagi Community Hall on Friday. Among those in attendance were Thovhele Ratshibvumo II Rambuda and representatives from community structures.

Rambuda confirmed that municipal tariffs would increase by 4.3% in line with MFMA Circular No. 130, except where cost-benefit analyses and consumer affordability had been considered. Salaries and wages for municipal employees, as well as councillor remuneration, have risen by 5.1% in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement and pending the Upper Limits Gazette respectively.

While acknowledging an increase in provisions from R86m to R90m, Rambuda expressed concern about the stagnant payment rate, which has remained unchanged despite a steady increase in municipal debtors. She noted that depreciation, a GRAP requirement, has been budgeted at R86m, reflecting a minor increase in asset additions and reclassifications. General expenditure has seen a decrease due to cost containment measures.