State of the Municipality Address delivered by the mayor of KwaDukuza Cllr. Lindile Nhaca at the occasion of the full council meeting on 22 May 2024 at the KwaDukuza Town Hall
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It is my honour and a privilege to present before you, the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) for the 2024/2025 financial year as well as the indicative budgets for the two outer years.
I accordingly wish to extend my warmest greetings to all invited guests as we meet to not only consider the budget but also to reflect on our achievements since the establishment of the institution of local government in 1996.
Ladies and gentlemen, the municipality hosted a series of public hearings during the month of April and May 2024 which give expression to our priorities and the tone for the budget.
I wish to announce that during these public hearings, the greater community accepted our proposals and certain stakeholders have for the first time, given us a nod of approval on several areas.
Budget comments from stakeholders
To this end, a total of forty-six (46) budget comments were received by the administration for onward transmission.
Madam Speaker, like pieces of a puzzle coming together, the people of KwaDukuza have spoken – they have given us the responsibility to provide a safety net for the poor, to promote sustainable development, to forge long-term growth and address sector barriers for growth and investments.
From our interaction with communities and stakeholders, we took note of the following key aspects:
1. That communities want the municipality to fast-track the restoration of damaged infrastructure through the disaster funding;
2. That energy security remains a key concern due to high energy losses;
3. We heed the clarion call to declare war against rampant criminality.
4. The municipality must increase the spend on the maintenance of infrastructure including, potholes, and streetlights.
5. The municipality must unlock blocked housing projects;
6. Deepen relations with stakeholders to improve customer care and experience.
7. to facilitate skills development and place unemployed graduates with prospective employers within the public and private sector.
8. Promoting local economic development and sports.
9. Reduce basic services tariffs of charges.
10. And lastly, enable jobs.
Fellow members, our budget is responding to the people and to policy objectives as set out in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
The IDP calls upon all of us to take steps at ensuring the fulfilment of the set targets in order to guarantee a better quality of life.
The election of a democratic government in 1994 and the subsequent adoption of the Constitution in 1996 was a call to honour and deliver on the needs of our communities - and that we prioritise sustainable development despite inherent challenges.
Inquest into Luthuli
Madam Speaker outside of this report, I wish to record my appreciation to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr. Ronald Lamola for accepting the recommendations of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to re-open the inquest into the mysterious death of Chief Albert Luthuli.
Sibonga uhulumeni kazwelonke ngalesi sinyathelo. ULuthuli wayegqugquzela abantu ukuthi babambisane ukulwa nohulumeni wencindezelo, ngisho labo ababe ngenazwi nababencishwe amathuba.
Indeed, fifty-seven (57) years on, the apartheid forces have not found courage to disclose the truth about his mysterious death.
Commemorating the 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy in South Africa
Ladies and gentlemen, this year, we are joined by the millions across the world in celebrating 30 years of democracy. They are celebrating with us as they supported the South African struggle against apartheid.
Since the historic democratic transition to democracy in 1994, South Africa has made tremendous progress towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.
It is therefore significant to reflect on the progress that has been made in tackling apartheid injustices and in building a truly united, free, and equal society.
This is true to the revolutionary course of our forebears in realising the goals of our National Democratic Revolution.
This also remains true to our Constitution imperatives which promise a better quality life for all.
The assessment of our democratic journey in summary has been characterized by remarkable successes and a share of challenges.
We can no longer argue that colonialism robbed us of our land, our rights, and basic freedoms.
Democracy inherited a deeply divided society which was characterised by racial biases, exclusionary policies which have hindered human progress and development.
Ngugu waThiong’o in his book, ‘Decolonising the Mind’, urges us to engage in the collective effort to liberate ourselves from historical misrepresentations.
True to this assertion, colonial forces did not only colonise our world but colonised information in our minds and knowledge about our world.
By repealing apartheid legislation, the government has been successful in building an inclusive society, with better quality of health-care systems, improved education, and has promoted an activist civil society with deepened democracy through free speech and rights to justice .
Let us therefore use todays occasion and our 30th year milestone to reaffirm of our commitments towards promoting cultural diversity, improving conditions of the poor, overcoming economic hardships, and to sustain cooperation and unity within our communities.
Our 30 year milestone must be celebrated the same way as the apartheid forces have done for over 300 years of poverty and economic inequality against the black majority.
Ladies and gentlemen, the government since the turn of democracy has introduced reforms which have assured that the gains of the apartheid government are totally reversed whilst addressing the range of challenges associated with a growing democracy.
In undoing the legacy of the past, we have entrenched human rights, promoted human dignity, non-racialism, non-sexism, unity and rule of law.
From 1994, millions are beneficiaries of various social housing programmes and mass electrification.
Just last week, our State President signed into law, the National Health Insurance bill to improve the quality of medical health care for millions of South Africans.
Ladies and gentlemen, as we observe Worker’s month and commemorate the 30th year anniversary of workers’ rights, we have observed a spate of fatalities - workers dying in the line of duty across various construction sites within our municipality.
These fatalities include the worker who drowned and dies inside a trench after a water pipe burst in Salt Rock two weeks ago.
Last month, a contracted technician died after experiencing electrical shock at the Nkobongo substation.
The latest incident took the lives of four workers within a private property at the weekend along Zen Drive in Ballito.
We categorically welcome the support given to the families who lost their loved ones. We also extend our warmest gratitude to all emergency rescue teams, volunteers, and organizations which have been providing the much needed aid during these difficult times.
The Minister of Labour during his visit to the scene yesterday, indicated that he will be offering the bereaved families some relief of distress. We also welcome the multi-pronged probe into this matter by the Minister of Public Works.
On the same breath, we call upon all employers to strengthen workplace occupational health and safety measures to avoid fatalities.
To that end, the office of the Municipal Manager will be rolling out a mass training programme for key service delivery departments to improve safety in our workplaces. This will include appointing Safety Representatives across all business units.
We will also be training these Safety Reps to conduct Risk Assessments.
Njengoba sigubha inyanga yabasebenzi nempumelelo yomzabalazo wabasebenzi kuleminyaka engu thirty (30).
Kubuhlungu ukuthi kulenyanga yabasebenzi sibona, abasebenzi abaningi, abasembenza embonini yokwakha bedlula emhlabeni, ngezingozi zasemsebenzini.
Singumasipala sikhumbula abasebenzi bonke abasishiye besemsebenzini ngezizathu ezahlukene.
Siyabonga ukuthi nohulumeni omkhulu, ikakhulukazi uMnyango wezabasebenzi ophethwe u baba UNxesi, nowengqalisizinda nemisebenzi kababa uZikalala, bayangenelela ukusiza laba abalimele, imindeni kanye nokuqondiswa lapho abaphula imithetho.
Fellow members, it is through tragedies like these were we as government need to become a true pillar of strength.
We might be many faces, but we are one people. We need to draw strength through diversity.
Many instruments, one song - in perfect harmony! United we stand, divided we fall! Our differences unite us - side by side no matter the challenge. We are indeed stronger together!
Ladies and gentlemen, we are happy that unplanned electricity outages is at their lowest level!
We thank the government for placing the nation on a path towards ending load shedding through the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity.
The minister has assured that Eskom reaches its milestone in resolving the energy deficit (load shedding).
On the same note, we must be reminded that over the thirty years of democracy, the electrification programme since 1994 has assured universal access.
A total of 94% of the South African population enjoys access to electricity. We no longer have to use candles and pump stoves, those days belong in our past!
Healthcare has improved, we continue to deepen relations here at home and with the rest of the world.
We have built houses, schools, healthcare facilities, roads, bridges, dams, libraries, decent human settlements, and we have delivered water and sanitation to millions of homes.
We have transformed institutions to align with democratic values and principles.
We have introduced reforms for indigent policy for vulnerable households and improved overall service delivery.
We have improved the standards of living to meet basic needs, like provision of social services such as the Integrated Nutrition Programme and social grants.
Certainly, material conditions of ordinary people have changed.
We thank the government of the day for delivering a better quality of life for our people yet, there’s more that needs to be done.
We are indeed determined to do much more!
Speaker of Council, allow me to provide an overview into what we want to achieve in the year ahead with an operational budget of 2,7 billion and a capital expenditure of R699 million.
Tourism Promotion and Destination marketing
KwaDukuza municipality in the next financial year will be officially opening the first Tourism Information Office within the tourism center.
This office will be located in the new KwaDukuza Museum which was officiated by the MEC for Sport, Art and Culture at the weekend. This office is being positioned to market KwaDukuza as a tourism destination with emphasis on promoting township, cultural or heritage tourism routes.
Tourism remains a key economic sector which continues to create direct or indirect jobs. I will continue to lobby this council to support its rapid development and growth.
Singumasipala siyafisa ukubongela wonke ama guest house, asezindawe zase malokishini, njengo Magugwana B&B eShakavile, nePalm Land e-ward 12, ngokuthi bangene ohlelweni obelenziwa umasipala ubambisene neTourism Grading Council of South Africa, ukubheka ukuthi ama-services kanye nezimo zezindawo zabo zikulungele ukuhlalisa izihambeli zethu.
Somlomo, ngiyafisa ukubongela lezizindawo ezingu 9, ezinikwe u 1-Star i-Grading futhi siyathemba zizokhula zize zifinyelele ku 5 star.
Singena kulomkhandlu ngo-2021, sabuye savumela kwi-Legkotla yethu ukuthi ezokuvasha nezikaqeda isizungu, yizona esizozibeka eqhulwini ukuletha izivakashi ezizohlala endaweni yethu.
Our journey of recovering our economy continues unrelentingly after several economic shocks. In line with our Legkotla recommendations, council has identified several signature events.
These events have shown a massive impact on our economy therefore in the upcoming financial year, we have made budget provisions to support the following events.
1. The 2024 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neil World Surfing Series Event has a budgeted of R10 million, which the bulk of it will be allocated towards prize money and the event logistics. The 2024 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neil will be taking place between 25 June 2024 to 08 July 2024.
2. The 2024 Blythedale Beach Festival has a budget of R600 000 which is close to 100% increase of what was budgeted for in the last financial year. The event is growing, and it caters domestic tourists and locals who usual spend their time in our beach.
3. In this next financial year, we will support the return of the Chief Albert Luthuli Walk event which will take place during July 2024.
4. We will be considering a proposal received from the organizers of the Ballito Big Week, which is planned for December 2024.
5. Sizobuye siqhubeke nemcimbi wethu owaziwa nge-100% KwaDukuza Homebrew Festival. Lomcimbi ubhekele ukunika inkundla kumaciko ithuba lokujabulisa abantu bendawo.
These events are aimed at ensuring that we attract both domestic and international tourists to enjoy our area.
SMME and economic empowerment
Singumasipala wakwaDukuza, siyakholelwa ekutheni osomabhizinisi abasafufusayo kufanele basekwe ukuze baphumelele. Ngakoh ke, ngonyaka ka 2024/2025, umasipala unemali ayibekile ukusiza ukuthuthikisa osomabhizinisi abancane ngezinsiza zokusebenza, amakhono, ulwazi nangokubavulela amathuba okuba bathole ukuhweba nohulumeni anye namabhizinisi.
On the informal business sector, we have made the following provisions:
A total of R2 million has been allocated for the construction of new informal trading facilities – lemali iyisiqalo sesibophezelo sokusebenzisana nabadayisi basemgwaqeni. Lemali esiyibekile engu R2 million, izosiza ukwakhiwa kwezindawo zokudayisa ezintsha.
Sibuye sabeka imali engango R1 million, ezoya ngqo ekusizeni osomabhizinisi abancane ngezinto zokusebenza ngaphansi kohlelo olubizwa ngeMayoral LED start-up. Loluhlelo luzolokhu luqhubekile lusiza osomabhizinisi bakithi.
Sizobuye futhi ngo Novemba kulonyaka sibe nezinhlelo eziningi zokusiza osomabhizinisi sibe siqhakambisa ukuqala ibhizinisi ngohlelo lwethu lweKwaDukuza Entrepreneurship Month.
Zonke lezinhlelo, ezikhona zibuye zinezelwe ngobudlelwano esinabo nezinye izinhlaka kuhulumeni, kanye nabanye. Ngiyafisa ukuba nginxenxe amakhansele aqhubeke agqugquzele abantu bangene kuma bhizinisi ngenxa yokuntuleka kwemisebenzi.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have introduced a new budget amounting to R2.6 million. This budget will create over 60 jobs in addition to the Extended Public Works Programme which creates 82 jobs annually.
Bakwethu, sethule isabelomali esisha esikalelwa ku-R2.6 million. Lesi sabelomali sizovula amathuba emisebenzi ang-60. Sikhuluma nje, kuqashwa abantu ababalelwa ku-82 ohlelweni lwe-EPWP.
Education
Education remains our apex priority.
In the last 12 years, since we piloted and implemented the KwaDukuza External Bursaries programme, we have assisted more than 760 young people with access to education, through the provision of tertiary registration assistance funding.
We have also assisted more than 3000 children with school uniforms in the last 12 years. These programmes have become our annual key events in promoting education.
Singumasipala wakwaDukuza, sibeke imali engango R806 000.00, yokusiza abantu bafuna ukuya ezikhungweni zemfundo ephakeme. Lemali sithi ingukhiye emnyangweni kaNSFAS.
Sizimisele ukuba sixhase abafundi abangaphezu kwekhulu, ngokubakhokhela imali yokubhalisa engu-R8 000.00.
Sibuye sabeka imali engango R1,3 million yokulekelela izingane eziqhamuka emindenini ehlwempu nge-niform yesikole. Siphokophele ukusiza izingane ezingaphezu kwamakhulu ayisithupha (600) kulonyaka.
Sizobuye sigqugquzele imiphumelo emhihle ka-Grade 12, futhi sihalalisele u-Top 10 wakwaDukuza ngonyaka ozayo. Sibeke imali engango R250 000, wokwenza lomcimbi.
Fighting crime
Council is strengthening capacity within the law enforcement unit in a bid to fight rampant criminality. We will be introducing a new Unit under municipal services which will enforce bylaws and maintain law and order. A sharp focus will be on the King Shaka Street precinct and other problematic areas including rural communities.
The Community Safety business unit has been short of vehicles for a while - we have made the following provisions to augment this shortcoming.
We will be procuring the following assets:
1. Two (4×4) vehicles for Marine Safety,
2. Two Utility LDV for Fire Services,
3. Four Vehicles for the new law enforcement unit
4. One [4×4] Vehicle for Disaster Management
5. Four vehicles for Traffic Services,
6. In addition, council will be delivering two fully equipped Fire Trucks by the end of September 2024.
7. We will also upgrade the Salt Rock office building over the next two financial years.
Digitalization and e-Government Services
Ladies and gentlemen, when we I took office, I made a commitment to transform the way we do business as a council.
During our Legkotla in 2022, we also acknowledged that as the institution, our technology was outdated. Most of our services are done manually.
We also acknowledge that during the COVID lockdown period, the municipality was unable to use technological platforms. Our business continuity and disaster recovery plan was henceforth exposed.
In addressing this shortcoming, the council in 2022 launched its a flagship programme known as “SENZALULA” which translates to “We are making things easier”. Council adopted SENZALULA as the tag-line and brand name of our digitalizing our programme.
Madam Speaker, in the last two years we have been hard at work, transitioning to digital platforms. It is my pleasure to announce important milestones on SENZALULA initiatives.
Somlomo, Corporate Services has migrated the leave applications system from manual to digital.
All leave applications are now applied and approved online; this includes pay cheques for our employees. Going paperless will assist in reducing leave abuse and potential fraud. This project is to be fully rolled out in the upcoming financial year.
We have also introduced an on-line performance management system and it is being implemented accordingly.
SCADA system
Madam Speaker, the Senzalula Flagship projects which are SCADA system and Ease of Doing Business & Tools projects will be going live in the next financial year.
The two projects are critical at improving our business processes for both Electricity and Economic and Planning Business Units.
On the 28th of June 2024, the SCADA system will be handed over to the municipality for operations by the service provider.
This will be a big day for the municipality as this system is critical in managing and monitoring our network.
After the handover, staff members will be trained for a period of three to six months on how to use the SCADA system. It is anticipated that the system will go live during the second quarter of the next financial year.
Ease of doing business
Ease of Doing business project introduces online applications for building plans, business licenses, outdoor advertisement, town planning, informal trading permits, rates clearance and electricity applications. This project is at its final stages of completion.
The municipal council has adopted 90% of required bylaws and policies. The municipality in the next four months will be delivering the following:
1. To gazette all bylaws
2. And finalize the testing of the system
In the second quarter, the system will go live.
We hope that this system will transform the way we do business and reduce retape on business processes.
Taxi Rank Infrastructure Upgrades and new projects
Ladies and gentlemen, with the allocation of R17,7 million, the municipality will be constructing the KwaDukuza Taxi Rank.
A further R6.5 million is dedicated towards upgrades into the Ballito Taxi Rank to provide commuter shelters and ablution facilities.
As a responsive government, we have fulfilled the request from the public transport industry which continues to drive economic ability and agility.
These projects will significantly improve the local transport facilities that are utilized by commuters in their thousands.
We are allocating R8 million towards upgrading the Darnall Sports Ground, we will apportion R2 million towards upgrading beach facilities, a further R2, million will go towards upgrading the KwaDukuza Guardhouse.
We will be rehabilitating the Vlaakspruit access road with an amount of R 6.4 million and spend a further R1.3 million towards refurbishing change rooms at the Vlaakspruit cemetery.
Electricity
An amount of R117 million has been allocated towards electricity for the upcoming financial year.
1. A total of 5.2 million has been allocated for refurbishing municipal buildings to ensure compliance and safety.
2. A total of R5 million is allocated bulk supplies to ensure new developments are connected to the grid.
3. R9.5 is for infills and to achieve universal access to electricity. This will ensure that every household gets electrified.
4. R5.4 million is for general service delivery.
5. R 5.9 million is for Low voltage network upgrades targeted at reducing energy losses.
6. R 21.9 is for medium voltage network equipment to comply with the new SCADA system so that we reduce overloading on network, to ensure safety, reduce technical energy losses, and ensure reliability.
7. R10 million is earmarked for the automate network internal control through SCADA for load shedding.
8. R 16 million is set for providing adequate public lighting in mostly rural communities and repair of existing streetlights.
9. Revenue protection - R 3.1 million is for the refurbishment of customer metering points for resellers to reduce energy losses.
10. R 35. 5million is billed for upgrading existing substations to ensure adequate capacity, reliability, and safety.
Ladies and gentlemen, in preparing the budget, we considered many factors including global developments which continue to weigh on the Rand.
The reality is that we are under a volatile economic climate which requires steadfast leadership.
There are significant external factors which sharpened this budget including the Global Economic downturns, the increasing fuel prices which may significantly impact operations, currency fluctuations, household consumption of electricity as well as the GDP estimates for the duration of the final Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework.
For the upcoming financial year, the council is to consider for approval, the lowest tariff increases when compared with other high capacity municipalities.
Indigent Policy
Madam Speaker, the municipality has a responsibility of ensuring that indigent households are provided with the basic municipal services through subsidizing the cost of services payable by indigent consumers.
Indigent Support is financed through the Equitable Share grant funding. The “Equitable Share” grant enables municipalities to provide basic services to indigent households in an affordable manner.
The free basic cost of electricity for 2024/25 budget has increased by 12% from R10,6 million to R11,9 million.
Somlomo, ukuze kuvikelwe abampofu emiphumeleni yokwenyuka kwamanani entengo kanye nokubavikela esimweni esinzima somnotho esibhekene naso njengamanje, lokhu okulandelayo kuzonikezwa imindeni yethu ehlwempu:
Imindeni ehlwempu izothola ugesi ongu-100 kwh njalo ngenyanga, ngaphandle kwenkokhiso kumthengi. Ugesi wenani elingu-100 kWh ulingana no-R284.00 ngenyanga umuzi ngamunye.
There’s a current total of 10 306 households which receive such benefits and another 13 456 household benefit through free refuse removal.
We invest an additional R213.00 to these households which is equivalent to 75kwh plus an extra 175kwh which is equivalent to R497.00.
Therefore, child headed households receive a total of 250kwh worth of free basic electricity which is equivalent to R 710 per month for each household.
Mphakathi, amakhaya aphethwe yizingane athola isamba sikagesi wamahhala ongu-250kwh okulingana no-R710 ngenyanga emzini ngamunye. Ingu 10,306 imindeni ehlomulayo zinyangazonke.
In addition, the municipality has a rebate structure for vulnerable groups, pensioners and disability grantees, agricultural properties, places of worship, public benefit organizations, land reform beneficiaries as well as commercial developers incentives.
All properties with a property valuation of R130 000 and below will be deemed to be indigent in terms of the refuse removal services, pending the indigent assessment status of these households by the Revenue section of Finance.
Financial viability
We continue to hold our flag with pride. KwaDukuza municipality is rated number seven countrywide in terms of financial stability. This accolade is an expression that we are able to manage the public purse prudently and diligently. We are fighting corruption and assuring our people that your money is in the safest hands!
Operational Budget
Ladies and gentlemen, the total operating revenue and expenditure for 2024/2025 is 2,7 billion with an indicative budget of revenue of R2,8 and 3 billion for 2025/2026 and 2027/2028 respectively.
The total operating revenue is expected to grow by 4% for the 2024/2025 financial year when compared to the 2023/2024 Adjusted Budget.
Capital Budget
Total capital expenditure for 2024/2025 is 328 million with an indicative budget of revenue of 218 million and 152 million for 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 respectively.
The total capital quantum for the capital budget is R 699 million over the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework.
Due to limited resources, we have Increased focus in spending on two major aspects of the capital budget:
1. Civil and Electrical Infrastructure.
2. And catalytic projects to stimulate econonic growth.
Best Practice requires Council to allocate 40% of the capital budget to renewal of existing assets. In previous financial years, only 27% was catered towards renewal of existing assets as most of the Municipality’s rural wards still required new infrastructure like roads, sport fields, community halls and creches.
However, the Municipality has catered for 45% of the 2024/25 Final Capital Budget towards the renewal of existing assets, while 55% is allocated towards new assets.
This is as result of the direct impact that the recent floods which damaged municipal infrastructure.
The capital budget is appropriated as follows:
- R10.3 million for Community and social service
- 125,5 million for Energy sources
- 24.2 million for Executive and council
- R19.7 million for Finance and administration
- 8.8 million for Housing
- R14.9 million for Planning and development
- R13,6 million for Public safety
- R94,1 million for Road Transport
- R14,4 million for Sports and recreation
- R2.6 million for Waste Management
This arrives to a total of 328 million worth of capital expenditure for the 2024/2025 financial.
Tariff of charges
· On tariff of charges, electricity will increase by 10,5%. The budget is structured around a variable increase ranging from 5% to 10.5%, depending on the category of electricity service charges with the cost for supplying electricity to SAPPI being 12.72% as detailed on the item before you.
· Property Rates will increase by 5%.
· Refuse Removal charges will increase at an average of 8% (7% residential and 9% for commercial) this is to ensure the sustainability and viability of rendering the service.
· Provision for an average of 7% increase for all staff remuneration costs. The overall cost increase may vary from the 5% due to 2% notch increases and filling of vacant posts.
· The average long-term cost of borrowings is 12%. However, after factoring in free basic services provided to indigent and non-billed areas, the actual year-on-year growth in net revenue is estimated to be 6%. This lower growth rate is primarily due to the expansion of refuse services to non-billed areas.
Council’s tariff of charges will be increased with effect from 1 July 2024.
Energy Losses
Apart from our success, one of the biggest challenge and threat to our financial viability is Energy losses.
As part of addressing the continues crises, a grant of R9m has been secured from SECO to deal with 139 resellers including BnBs, and cottages. Out of 16 turnaround strategies, ten are in progress. The fund is dedicated towards delivering the following:
- Meter audits
- Electricity supply contracts
- Reviewing Tariffs
- Strengthening social media presence
The Electrical and Refuse trading services are currently running at a deficit and Council has embarked on various processes which will enforce better revenue collections on service charges including the following:
1. Revenue Enhancement Projects
2. Development of an Energy Losses Task Team which will assist in the reduction of energy losses.
3. A contractor has been appointed for the disconnection/reconnection of electricity as well as meter inspections.
4. Meter Replacement Programme
5. Municipal Data Cleansing Project
Bulk Purchases amount to approximately R1,2 billion. The actual increase catered for on the Final Budget is therefore 3% from the 2023/24 Adjusted Budget.
The decision by management to decrease the Bulk Purchases budget stems from the Municipality's ongoing efforts to intensify its Energy Loss reduction initiatives. The plans and processes to reduce energy losses in the upcoming year have been robustly reviewed during the public participation process.
Disaster
Fellow members, there’s enough evidence that the impact of disasters have reversed our fortunes and undermined our gains.
We have written to the national Disaster management centre to be approved of the balance on the disaster conditional grant. We await their responses with strong anticipation as we seek a rollover of the funding.
As we conclude Africa Month as well as Freedom, let us unite and place our prayers on the humanitarian situation in Palestine as they undergo ethnic cleansing by Israel warlord’s.
Equally, let’s put South Africa in our prayers as we approach the General Elections on 29 May.
This is the period where we need each other the most in building and sustaining a government that has stood still for the past 30 years.
This is a government which broke the difficult past under chains of colonialism, imperialism and apartheid. It gave ordinary people the a chance for the determination of self.
Fellow council members, this is a sound, balanced and funded budget which require your wisdom and approval. We call on all political parties to unite in moving the people of KwaDukuza forward as we commemorate 30 years of democracy!
Ladies and gentlemen, Section 53 of the MFMA requires the mayor to provide general political guidance over the budget process and the priorities that must guide the preparation of the budget. To assist the prioritisation and spending plans of Council, the political component has a duty to oversee the budget process.
The municipality has an effective Budget Steering Committee in place. The BSC monitors financial planning and spending plans and advises Council accordingly.
Credit is due to members of the Budget Steering Committee who were key players in guiding this budget.
We thank the finance team led by the acting CFO for their tireless efforts in meeting tight deadlines. Without your sleepless nights, this would not have been realised.
With those words fellow members. I invite you to join me in approving this budget! The 2023/24 Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework Budget is hereby tabled for your consideration and approval.
Thank you!
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