Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) Mayor Gerson Molapisane delivered his State of the municipality address (SOMA) on Tuesday, June 25. In his address, he said property rates will remain unchanged, but refuse, water, and sewerage tariffs will see a 4.9% increase. “These adjustments are crucial for sustaining and improving our municipal services, ensuring that we can continue to deliver essential services efficiently and effectively to our residents,” he said.
GTM’s projected revenue stands at R2.067b. “The increase in income is primarily driven by rises in property rates, service charges, and external grants from the government. Specifically, R551m represents the equitable share allocated to the GTM, while R190m will be sourced through property rates and R1.032b from user service charges,” Molapisane said.
National allocations to support operational activities amount to R33.9m, encompassing grants such as the Finance Management Grant, EPWP grant, energy efficiency grant, MIG operation, and the INEP allocation. He mentioned that for operational expenditures, a total of R1.806b has been allocated, reflecting increases in employee-related costs, inventory consumption, debt impairments, and bulk purchases.
Also read: Tzaneen residents set for tariff hike
He said the GTM has allocated R57m from own funding to enhance the electrical infrastructure without relying on grants or loans. “This R57m will be used for rural electrification and the maintenance of our electricity infrastructure. We have made significant progress in the past twelve months by completing various infrastructure projects, primarily focussing on road improvements. These developments have substantially enhanced the quality of life for our residents,” he said.
He said in Haenertsburg extensive road rehabilitation work has already been carried out and motorists would not find a single pothole in the town. “We are also rehabilitating roads in Nkowankowa and filling potholes in Lenyenye. We have set aside R5.6m for Nkowankowa’s internal streets. “With the help of Road Agency Limpopo (RAL), we are rehabilitating Boundary Street to Pusela to Van Velden, as well as Agatha Road and Claude Wheatley Street.”
Also read: Greater Tzaneen Municipality draft IDP budget under scrutiny
“We are also rehabilitating streets in the CBD,” he said. “We have allocated R2m for township establishments (Politsi) and another R2m for the procurement of Geographical Information System equipment,” added Molapisane. He referred to the municipality’s efforts to improve public participation. In this regard, the GTM has budgeted R800 000 to buy a loud hailing bakkie, he said. He said a new fresh produce market at the Letaba showgrounds in 2025 will be a significant win for farmers, providing them with a dedicated venue to market their produce.
Tzaneen Chamber of Commerce chairperson, Donovan Lewis, said the Soma was insightful. “What I admire about our mayor is that he is very passionate about his work and does not shy away from work not done and calling out on it. He truly portrays that himself and his team is here to serve the people and deliver service,” he said.
