Joe Gqabi District Municipality Executive Mayor Councillor Nomvuyo Mposelwa
By Kaya Mntsantsa
Ekhephini
Joe Gqabi District Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Nomvuyo Mposelwa reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to putting residents first as she recently tabled a funded R1.2 billion budget and new five-year development plan. “This is a budget for service delivery, for infrastructure sustainability, and for responsible governance,” Mposelwa told Council in Ekhephini, stressing that every rand is aimed at improving water reliability, maintaining aging infrastructure, and building a capable municipality that restores public confidence and delivers real results for communities across the district.
Tabled during a Special Council Meeting, the budget and IDP set out the municipality’s priorities amid rising living costs, slow economic growth, ageing infrastructure and pressure on municipal resources.
1. NEW 5-YEAR IDP: FOCUS ON RELIABILITY, NOT JUST ACCESS
Council adopted the 2026/27-2030/31 IDP as the district’s main roadmap. The vision: a capable, responsive district that delivers reliable services and restores public confidence.The IDP is built on 5 strategic priorities: Water & sanitation: Infrastructure upgrades, maintenance, cut water losses, faster response times, protect infrastructure from vandalism.Economic growth & jobs: Focus on agriculture, tourism, SMME support, infrastructure-led development, and JoGEDA.
Financial sustainability: Better revenue collection, more prepaid water meters, debt management, stronger financial systems.Good governance: Transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, stronger community participation.Municipal transformation: Staff skills development.The municipality says the shift is clear: success will now be measured by quality and reliability of services, not just access to infrastructure.
2. 2026/27 BUDGET: R972.4M REVENUE, R249.9M FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS
Cllr Mposelwa tabled a funded and credible budget: Operating Revenue: R972.4 million Operating Expenditure: R947.9 million Operating Surplus: R24.6 million Capital Budget: R249.9 million, “Infrastructure investment remains the centrepiece,” the Mayor said.
Most capital spend targets water and sanitation to improve reliability, water security, public health and long-term sustainability.
3. BIG INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ON THE WAY
Conditional grants for MIG, RBIG and WSIG total R316.6 million for 2026/27. Key projects include:Elundini Rural Water Supply Programme Zone 1A: R215 millionUgie Sanitation Phase 1: Refurbish Pretjiesberg Pump Station, Ugie Wastewater Treatment Works + replace sewer lines for 465 sitesMaclear Water Treatment & Distribution Upgrade: R226 million Aliwal North Water Treatment Works Holding Dams: R42.5 millionSterkspruit Regional Wastewater Treatment Works: 4 phases, total R396 million
4. MAINTENANCE GETS R83.4M
The municipality allocated R83.4 million to repairs, maintenance and asset renewal. “Protecting existing infrastructure is as important as building new,” Mposelwa warned, urging communities to stop vandalism and theft.
5. WHERE THE MONEY GOES: DAY-TO-DAY SERVICES
Operating budget priorities:R301.6m – Staff salaries across all departments R59.2m – Consumables: water chemicals, fuel, pipes, fittingsR84.7m – Contracted services: security, specialised maintenance, technical support R126.3m – Other departmental operations “This is not a budget of luxury. It’s a working budget focused on service delivery and sustainability,” said the Mayor.
6. REVENUE & TARIFFS: CULTURE OF PAYMENT URGED
Low revenue collection and debt remain major risks. The municipality will expand prepaid water meters, improve billing, verify meters, and strengthen debt collection.Cash position is set to improve from R29.7m to R54m in 2026/27.Tariff increases for 2026/27:Conventional water & sanitation: ∼10%Prepaid water: 7.5% Septic tank & indigent tariffs: ∼5%Other services: 6% – 10%Mposelwa stressed that sustainable services depend on residents paying for what they use.
7. SOCIAL PROGRAMMES: R6.25M ALLOCATED
Beyond infrastructure, R6.25 million is set for community upliftment: youth development, women empowerment, older persons, persons with disabilities, HIV/AIDS awareness, Expanded Public Works Programme, local economic development, and community participation.
8. DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT MODEL TO DRIVE COORDINATION
The municipality reaffirmed the District Development Model to align planning and budgets with local municipalities, provincial/national government, and development partners.“This is a budget for service delivery, for infrastructure sustainability, for responsible governance and, above all, for the people of Joe Gqabi District,” Mposelwa concluded.
