2025-2026 BUDGET SPEECH: FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Good day, everyone.

I want to express my gratitude as I present our municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget for the upcoming financial year. This is not just an administrative task; it marks an important step in our journey towards growth, good governance, and sustainable development.

The Budget and IDP we are presenting today represent input from many people—it is the result of consultations, discussions, and careful consideration. Through ward meetings, community engagements, public input, and coordination with other government spheres, we have made sure this plan truly reflects the needs and hopes of our communities.

We heard your demands for:

• Better roads and infrastructure
• Reliable water and sanitation services
• Safer neighbourhoods
• Job creation and economic opportunities
• Stronger social support programs

These requests are our mandate and guide our actions.

Our budget aligns with the IDP goals and is built on principles of financial responsibility and transparency, aiming to maximise the value of every rand spent.

Key Budget Highlights

This year, we are prioritising service delivery and infrastructure development. Some of the Top 10 Capital Projects for 2025/2026 include:

• Upgrading the Robertson Wastewater Treatment Works – R 26 607 596,24, improving sanitation capacity across Wards 1, 2, 3, 6, and 11. (R26,60 million)
• Procurement of bakkies and a truck for all towns – ensuring better service delivery logistics (R21,96 million).
• Upgrading the Breede River Pump Station in Ashton – enhancing water infrastructure in Wards 9, 10, and 11. (R10,69 million)
• Replacing 66kV transformers at Robertson Main Substation – strengthening our electricity grid. (R8,62 million)
• Electrification of Boekenhoutskloof – expanding access to electricity in Ward 4. (R7,2 million)
• Upgrading the Bonnievale Water Treatment Works – improving water quality in Wards 4 and 8.(R6 million)
• Upgrading Van Zyl Street Sport Field – investing in community recreation in Ward 1. (R5,7 million)
• Upgrading the Robertson Precinct under the NDPG – revitalising urban spaces in Wards 1 and 2. (R3,4 million)
• Constructing a new pavilion at McGregor Sport Field – supporting local sports in Ward 5. (R3 million)
• Upgrading roads in Ashton, including residential, industrial, and Zolani areas, this will improve road access and safety for the community. (R2,72 million)

Tariff Adjustments

To support these initiatives and maintain financial sustainability, the following tariff increases are proposed:

• Rates: 6%
• Water: 6%
• Sanitation: 6%
• Refuse Removal: 8%
• Electricity: 11.32% (subject to NERSA approval)
• Sundry Tariffs: 0–6%, depending on the service

These increases are necessary to keep up with inflation, rising input costs, and to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

Expenditure Overview

We are also managing our internal costs responsibly:

• Salaries: 5.01% increase
• General Expenses: 4%
• Repairs and Maintenance: 4%
• Bulk Purchases: 11.32%, driven by electricity costs

Economic Environment

Our local economy, like that of the whole country, has encountered many obstacles this past year. South Africa is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing with load shedding, inflation, and rising unemployment. These issues have affected household incomes, business operations, and our municipal revenue. Locally, while sectors like agriculture and small businesses show resilience, they are still vulnerable. The rising cost of living and energy security challenges hinder growth and investment.

Despite these challenges, we stay optimistic. Our IDP and budget focus on initiatives aimed at fostering economic development. We are investing in infrastructure, supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and developing skills, especially for youth and women.

We are dedicated to creating opportunities through partnerships with the private sector and other government agencies.

Commitment to Implementation

Adopting the IDP and budget is just the beginning—what truly matters is putting these plans into action. Our administration is committed to effective project management, transparent reporting, and accountability.

We will strengthen our relationships with communities, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that every plan becomes a reality and every action leads to improved lives.

I want to thank all the councillors for their involvement, the administrative team for their hard work, and especially our residents for their feedback, patience, and hope for a better future.

As your Executive Mayor, I promise to work with integrity and urgency to turn this plan into real progress. Let us move forward together, united in our purpose and determined in our actions, to build a municipality that is inclusive, resilient, and responsive to everyone’s needs.

I now officially table the IDP and Budget for approval. Thank you.

Alderman SW van Eeden

Executive Mayor of Langeberg Municipality