THE budget speech for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) took place on Thursday, April 28, at the Alberton Council Chambers.
The speech was delivered by member of the Mayoral Committee for finance, Clr Moses Makwakwa, who started off with a few words to honour the 10 ANC members who died in a vehicle accident recently.
What followed was a long tribute to the ANC, many quotes from “struggle stalwarts”, talking of the party’s struggle against apartheid, and their perceived successes.
When the speech eventually got to matters actually concerning the budget, it was mentioned that R25-billion was invested in infrastructure development and maintenance programmes, and the Metro claims to have created no less than 200 000 jobs.
“We agree with Pravin Gordhan’s assertion, noting that since 2011 Ekurhuleni has experienced a consistent decline in the economic growth from 3.9 per cent to 1.9 per cent in 2014. Unemployment remains stubbornly firm, especially among young people. Our population is estimated to increase by an average of 2.5 per cent between 2014 and 2019, with a proportionally low disposable household income.
“Adding to this, is the declining contribution by the manufacturing sector with low export earnings,” said Makwakwa, but added: “We are working hard to improve our economy and build investor confidence.”
Set aside is R3.5-billion for the Community Empowerment Package, namely Mintirho Ya Vulavula, for the upcoming financial year. Through this allocation metro intends to:
• Expand procurement spent on youth-owned entities;
• Solidify the foundation and growth of Vukuphile learner contractors;
• Change the outlook of townships through the Lungile Mtshali Community Development Project, and other community work programmes;
• Support social entrepreneurship through Grant-in-Aid;
• Step up on the Black Industrialist Programme.
“It must be clear that there is no room to further tolerate under-spending, as this will undermine the realisation of our plan,” said Makwakwa.
Based on the Nersa approval, the electricity tariff will increase between 7.64 per cent to 9.4 per cent, depending on the consumption level.
Other increases are as follows:
• Water tariff will increase by nine per cent;
• Sanitation will increase by nine per cent;
• Refuse removal goes up by eight per cent, for both business and residential;
• There is a zero per cent increase in cemetery fees for Ekurhuleni residents, but 10 per cent for outsiders.
The end of the speech contained many more quotes and “struggle” fanfare.
Makwakwa ended off by saying: “It is my sincere hope that, as we look back over the road we have traversed, we should all with pride declare that our collective achievements are indeed significant. In this budget we build on our experience of the past four years and aim to do even better as we seek to do more going forward.”
